Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such accounts delve into intricate topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the events remains partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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