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As we reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable feature-length pieces shines. These accounts delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.

The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.

The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's true methods?

The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of government.

The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?

An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the events is still partially shrouded.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life could improve. I was sadly misplaced.

The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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