As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length pieces stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a key question: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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