While we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. Such narratives probe multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. This prompts a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical solution – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a significant force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life could change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The best narratives
