While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable feature-length stories emerges. Such narratives delve into multifaceted topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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