2015 | Germany | Documentary

The Dark Gene

  • German English 99 mins
  • Director | Miriam Jakobs, Gerhard Schick
  • Writer | Miriam Jakobs, Gerhard Schick
  • Producer | Thomas Tielsch

This film is currently not available.   

The film tells a very personal story from two perspectives: our protagonist is both doctor and patient. As a patient, he has struggled with recurring depression for years, and as a doctor he wants to find out why.

The search for the origins of his illness leads him into the realm of his own genes and casts light on the fundamental changes facing modern society as a result of the tremendous progress being made in the field of genetic sequencing. Along the way, he meets a host of people – researchers, artists, visionaries – who have developed their own very individual approach to genetic coding and are drawing attention to the social significance of genetic technology. The film does not restrict itself to a scientific view of the subject but also makes use of artistic visions and more playful approaches to genetic blueprints.
These varied perspectives challenge the apparent pre-determination of genetics and help the protagonist in his struggle with his illness. And despite the suffering involved, they provide a reassuring view of the uniqueness of life.

doctor patient depression emotion illness genes modern society genetic sequencing