Upon reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional feature-length pieces stands out. These pieces explore complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she really changed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest journalism
