The Top Long-Form Stories of the Year: An Compendium of Compelling Narratives
While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on power. While many of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key query: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the story of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A 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 possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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