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While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length pieces stands out. Such accounts probe intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country

An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open

One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.

A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law

Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.

Challenging a Country's Identity

A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.

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

Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest levels of government.

An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub

An extremely rich country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

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

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the full truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness

As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.

The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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