While we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such narratives probe intricate themes from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest stories
