Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories emerges. These narratives delve into multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. Although many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life could improve. I was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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