As we consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. These narratives explore multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on power. Although many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
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