While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding feature-length pieces emerges. These pieces explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent heated controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
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 appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life could turn around. I was sadly wrong.
A International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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