Try using AVQueuePlayer . I am assuming that what you described as a lag, in fact is the pre buffering delay. This should be minimized or actually entirely be gotten rid of when using AVQueuePlayer as that baby will buffer the next AVPlayerItem while playing the current one.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.