While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional feature-length pieces stands out. These accounts delve into complex topics including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still move millions of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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