Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. These narratives probe multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment end – until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has risen as a key actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of the events is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
