As we reflect on the previous year, a selection of outstanding feature-length pieces shines. These accounts probe complex topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, people rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation could turn around. I was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest stories
