As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length pieces shines. Such narratives explore complex themes from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best journalism
