Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional feature-length pieces stands out. These accounts probe multifaceted topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the story of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she really changed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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