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As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length pieces shines. Such accounts probe multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.

The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country

Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.

A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law

A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's true motives?

The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to restore peace.

Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?

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

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.

The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.

The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital

An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a major actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?

A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of what happened remains partially contested.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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