HUNT FOR THE OLDEST DNA

THE GREAT OUTDOORS | US PREMIERE

Director NIOBE THOMPSON (Canada 2024) 90 min

This fascinating film elucidates the passion of Danish evolutionary geneticist Eske Willerslev as he pioneers the field of ancient environmental DNA. Dismissing conventional wisdom, Willerslev seeks to uncover genetic remnants buried deep within our soil, breaking new ground in fossil-based research. Directed by Niobe Thompson (Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography, DocLands 2022), the film chronicles Willerslev’s audacious hypothesis and unorthodox approach. Despite skepticism, his inspired tenacity leads him to unearth ancient genetic code dating back millions of years and revealing a world teeming with life before the Ice Age. Through 15 years of relentless dedication and numerous setbacks, Willerslev and his team revolutionize our understanding of ancient Earth, with profound implications for the planet’s future.

IN PERSON: Executive Producer JOHN RUBIN

SUNDAY, MAY 5 • 2:30

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$16.50 GENERAL | $14 MEMBERS
$15 SENIOR (65+)
$8 STUDENTS w/ ID & YOUTH (12 & under)

COMMUNITY PARTNER
CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

DIRECTOR

With documentaries including 2022’s Carbon – The Unauthorised Biography, Anthropologist and filmmaker NIOBE THOMPSON’s work reaches back to our human origins, explores the mysteries of evolution, and tackles the environmental dilemmas of the Anthropocene. His films have been nominated for two Emmy Awards, and he produced the Sundance-winning short film Fast Horse. Niobe is the founding producer of British-Columbia based Handful of Films.

FILM INFO

COUNTRY:	Canada
YEAR:	2024
RUNNING TIME:	90 min
LANGUAGE:	Danish and English with English subtitles
DIRECTOR:	Niobe Thompson
WRITER:	Niobe Thompson
PRODUCERS:	Niobe Thompson, Ally Barry
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:	John Rubin
CINEMATOGRAPHERS:	Athan Merrick, Ryan Wilkes
EDITORS:	Jay Macmillan, Jen Randal, Tim Symes
NOTE WRITER:	Michelle Svenson