Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. Such narratives delve into multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to join the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she really changed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment end – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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