While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. Such accounts delve into intricate subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman 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 disturbing scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she really a new person, and is the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich country has risen as a major player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation could turn around. I was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest stories