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Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories shines. Such accounts probe complex subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still cost him his life.

The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law

A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Identity

A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true intentions?

A Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to bring back order.

Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical solution – up until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become uneasy.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital

An extremely rich country has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?

An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?

The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.

The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might change for the better. I was sadly wrong.

A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the key to which nation wins the global AI race.

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