Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length pieces stands out. These narratives delve into multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of what happened is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might improve. I was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the secret to who wins the global AI race.
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