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Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces shines. Such accounts explore complex subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.

A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the story of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

A great many followers expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A film following a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own motives?

A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to restore peace.

Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of government.

The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.

The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of what happened is still partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.

The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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