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As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding feature-length stories emerges. These accounts probe complex topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation

An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A film following a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, people rely on him to bring back order.

Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical solution – until potentially now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.

The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital

An incredibly rich country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle

Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.

A "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution

When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life could improve. I was tragically misplaced.

The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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