While we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a key question: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
