While we consider the previous year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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