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Upon reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories shines. Such accounts probe complex subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It raises a key question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.

The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.

The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law

Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film following a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's true methods?

A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to bring back order.

Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical remedy – up until potentially now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.

An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.

A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center

An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a key force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?

A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.

A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the procedures is still partially contested.

A "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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