As we reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. Such narratives explore intricate themes including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a key force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
