While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories shines. These accounts explore complex themes from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical solution – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the events is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.
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