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While we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such narratives delve into intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.

The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. While many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights

Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Myth

A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore order.

Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment end – until potentially now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.

The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his keen mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.

A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center

An extremely rich country has become a major actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?

The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the events remains partially contested.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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