As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories shines. These narratives probe complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key question: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
