Pariscience 2024

Science is all stupid

Nathaniel Herzberg Aurel

<p>Recent discoveries about the animal world highlight the extraordinary abilities of the creatures that inhabit our planet. Each episode of the series LA SCIENCE Toutes B&Ecirc;TES takes us alongside a species and the scientists who are closely interested in it. The pilot, screened at Pariscience in 2024, deals with a very particular behavior, but also familiar to humans: picking one&#39;s nose.</p>

The Roman Genius

Herlé Jouon François Guillaume

<p>With its million inhabitants, Rome was the largest city in the world during Antiquity. This unprecedented urbanization generated immense challenges: housing, transportation, water supply... To better understand the ingenuity of Roman builders, two passionate researchers are working tirelessly on a 3D reconstruction of the Eternal City at its peak.</p>

Long live microbes!

Marie-Monique Robin

<p>In 50 years, the proportion of the population suffering from asthma and allergies has increased from 5% to 30%. Scientists have concluded that the main cause of this worrying development is the lack of microbial diversity in our environment. An enlightening investigation into the importance of protecting biodiversity for public health.</p>

Plastic People

Ben Addelman Ziya Tong

<p>Are we becoming Plastic People? Our ground-breaking feature documentary investigates our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics on human health. Almost every bit of plastic ever made ends up ground down into &quot;microplastics&quot;. These microscopic particles drift in the air, float in the water and sit in the soil. And now, leading scientists are finding them in our bodies: organs, blood, brain tissue and even the placentas of new mothers. What is the impact of these invisible invaders on our health? Ziya Tong, author and science journalist, makes it personal by visiting leading scientists and undergoing experiments in her home, on her food, and on her body.</p>

Does ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE learn like the human BRAIN?

Olivier Roca

<p>This documentary explores the similarities and differences between the learning processes of artificial intelligence and the human brain. Directed by Olivier Roca, it examines the latest developments in AI research and neuroscience, highlighting how algorithms are modeled after neural networks and the potential implications for science, technology, and ethics.</p>

INFINITE SCROLLING: why are we addicted?

Quentin Guerault Alexis Llanos

<p>In a world dominated by social media and digital platforms, infinite scrolling has become an addictive feature that keeps users endlessly engaged. This 8-minute web documentary, directed by Quentin Guerault and Alexis Llanos, uncovers the psychological tricks and technological designs that trap users in a cycle of scrolling. Through expert insights and relatable examples, the film explores the profound impact on mental health, productivity, and social behavior, urging viewers to reflect on their digital habits and the broader implications of this seemingly harmless feature.</p>

Des papyrus qui cartonnent !

Raphaële Meffre Pauline Debels Marie-Pierre Chauffray Astrid Amadieu

<p>Explore the journey of a papyrus from the Ptolemaic era, circa 200 BCE, as it transforms from a tool for recording livestock to magical protection for a mummy. Recycled into mummy cartonnage, this ancient artifact provided archaeologists with a rare glimpse into daily life over two millennia ago, uncovering invaluable historical insights.</p>

Pourquoi ASSASSIN'S CREED est plus VRAI que l'Histoire

Carl-Maxence Vinh

<p>From Greek Antiquity to the French Revolution and the Crusades, Assassin&#39;s Creed brings to life the periods that have marked History. But from an architectural and urban point of view, what are these digital models worth?</p>

Peut-on désobéir en démocratie ? La désobéissance civile (Can we disobey in a democracy? Civil Disobedience)

Maxime Lambrecht

<p>This short documentary explores the concept of civil disobedience within democratic societies. Written and directed by Maxime Lambrecht, the film examines the ethical, legal, and political dimensions of acts of disobedience, questioning when and how breaking the law can align with democratic values. Through historical examples and expert analysis, it reflects on the role of civil disobedience in effecting societal change.</p>

ANTHROPOLOGIE POLITIQUE : Qui détient VRAIMENT le pouvoir ? (POLITICAL ANTHROPOLOGY: Who REALLY Holds Power?)

Manon Jack

<p>This 20-minute web documentary explores the intricate dynamics of power in human societies through the lens of political anthropology. Directed and written by Manon Jack as part of Les EthnoChroniques, the film sheds light on who truly holds influence in our world&mdash;examining political, social, and economic power structures.</p>

Did Darwin Get it Wrong?

Oliver Cummins

<p>When Darwin crafted his seminal theory, Victorian patriarchy subtly colored his view of nature, resulting in the marginalization of the female role. Why has it taken science 150 years to address this lingering Victorian influence?</p>

L'ADNe, une révolution dans les eaux du Gabon

Natacha Giler

<p>In Gabon, between rivers and sea, an international study program was launched in 2022, under the aegis of Gabonese researcher Jean-Herv&eacute; Mve Beh. Gabonese, French and Swiss scientists share their discoveries and their passion for the preservation of species and aquatic depths.</p>

perfectly a strangeness

Alison McAlpine

<p>In the dazzling incandescence of an unknown desert, three donkeys discover an abandoned astronomical observatory and the universe. A sensorial, cinematic exploration of what a story can be.</p> <p><em>The film received the Theme-Sensitive Award at the Science New Wave Festival XVII in 2024. This distinction honors a work that most vividly embodies the year&rsquo;s festival theme &mdash; SIGNAL &mdash; bringing it to the screen in a singular and resonant way. The award includes a cash prize of $500. Learn more about our <a href="https://www.sciencenewwave.com/awards">SNW Luminary Awards</a>.</em></p>

Aires Marines 'Protégées' : une Imposture Française

Jean-Pierre Canet

<p>With 10 million km&sup2; of maritime surface, France is the second largest maritime power in the world. This should give it a responsibility and a major role in protecting the oceans. But is France exemplary? What is behind the stated figure of 30% of marine protected areas?</p>

De Gallo Qui Ovavit

Nina Forsman

<p>Which came first... the rooster or the egg? It&rsquo;s a question that has perplexed the human mind since ancient times. On 4th August 1474, an egg-laying rooster was publicly executed on the town square in Basel. Nina Forsman takes this bizarre historical fact and uses it to create an arresting if slightly absurd investigation, drawing on incredible archive footage from British Path&eacute; and Prelinger, among others.</p>

Thorin, le dernier Néandertalien

Pascal Cuissot

<p>In 2015, the discovery of a large number of Neanderthal fossils in the Mandrin cave in the heart of the Rh&ocirc;ne valley was the starting point for an archaeological adventure. Dating back around 40,000 years, this late Neanderthal, named Thorin after Tolkien&#39;s dwarf king, provides new clues about this species, which lived on the Eurasian continent for 300,000 years before mysteriously dying out. Why did it disappear in favour of Homo sapiens? That&#39;s what prehistorian Ludovic Slimak and his team are trying to find out. For the last twenty years, they have been exploring the Mandrin cave, occupied for eighty thousand years and miraculously preserved thanks to the sands carried by the Mistral wind rushing through its northern opening.</p>

Vert de rage : Amiante, nos écoles malades

Martin Boudot

<p>It is a program that has left its mark on the French audiovisual landscape. Since 2018, the investigative magazine Vert de Rage has helped to expose numerous environmental scandals: asbestos, fertilizers, pollution, endocrine disruptors, etc. Following the announcement of its end last spring, Pariscience wanted to pay tribute to a unique and salutary program and look back on this adventure in the company of Martin Boudot and the Vert de Rage team .</p>

Irma : Dans l’œil de la science

Bertrand Groc

<p>On September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the Antilles. In a world where extreme weather events are intensifying, what lessons can be learned from this disaster? How can we better prepare for these events? Irma, in the Eye of Science looks back at the entire post-disaster reconstruction chain implemented in the islands of Saint-Barth&eacute;lemy and Saint-Martin.</p>

Pie Dan Lo (Black Tide)

Kim Yip Tong

<p>On July 25, 2020, the bulk carrier MV Wakashio ran aground on the reef on the east coast of Mauritius. The local fishing community, for whom the sea was everything, waited in vain for an official salvage operation as oil gushed from the disintegrating wreck, spreading to every corner of the lagoon and up the waterways. This lyrical, beautifully drawn animation, with commentary from those who witnessed this disaster, pays tribute to the Mauritians who united to save their precious environment.</p>

Hic Sunt Dracones

Justin Fayard

<p>Just yesterday, these dragons of ice reigned over the valleys, destroying everything in their path. We cursed them in vain. And today, we wonder if we shouldn&#39;t have prayed a little less.</p>

Oscillations (2024)

Adélie Braud

<p>This 3-minute short film, written and directed by Ad&eacute;lie Braud, explores an evocative theme through concise storytelling. As a selection for 2024, it showcases the director&#39;s ability to craft a powerful narrative within a brief runtime. Details about the storyline are not yet specified but likely focus on emotional or abstract &quot;oscillations&quot; in life or relationships.</p>

A Sarus Affair

Tushar Bhojwani

<p>In the heart of rural India, a filmmaker embarks on a journey to document the delicate beauty and intricate behaviors of the Sarus crane, the world&#39;s tallest flying bird. As the majestic cranes navigate their fragile habitats, the story intertwines with the lives of local communities whose traditions and challenges echo the birds&rsquo; struggle for survival. Through stunning visuals and heartfelt moments, A Sarus Affair reflects on the intricate bond between humanity and nature, highlighting the importance of preserving ecological harmony in an ever-changing world</p>

Expédition Groenland avec Alex Honnold

J.J Kelley Richard Ladkani

<p>Alex Honnold is leading a six-week expedition to East Greenland to make the first ascent of one of the world&rsquo;s tallest unclimbed rock faces. But this journey is more than just a sporting challenge. Joined by glaciologist Heidi Sevestre, Alex and his team are helping to study the impact of climate change on this remote part of the Arctic.</p>

The Battle for Laikipia

Daphne Matziaraki Peter Murimi

<p>Unresolved historical injustices and climate change raise the stakes in a generations-old conflict between Indigenous pastoralists and white landowners in Laikipia, Kenya, a wildlife conservation haven.</p> <p>Co-directors Daphne Matziaraki (<em>4.1 Miles</em>, <em>The Me You Can&rsquo;t See</em>) and Pete Murimi (<em>I Am Samuel</em>) craft <em>The Battle for</em> <em>Laikipia</em> with empathy, compassion, and brutal truth. Weaving together themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and conservationism, the film delicately showcases the impact of these crucial topics on the Indigenous farming community of Kenya&rsquo;s Laikipia region. Handled with care, Matziaraki and Murimi&rsquo;s <em>The Battle for</em> <em>Laikipia</em> takes us through a journey that elicits frustration, awe, curiosity, and wonder.&mdash;BB</p>

Life and Other Problems

Max Kestner

<p>Director Max Kestner explores the essence of life, questioning the human connection to other species and delving into the profound interconnectedness of all living matter. How does the killing of a giraffe challenge notions of empathy and self-understanding and what are the philosophical implications for our existence?</p>

Collisions, sur la route des chasseurs d’Astéroïdes

Guillaume Lenel Thomas Marlier

<p>Are asteroids the cause of planet formation or the emergence of life? In order to unravel the mysteries of the smallest bodies in the solar system, astrophysicists from all over the world are working to observe and analyze them and set up extraordinary space missions. The goal? To avoid a fatal collision with Earth&hellip;</p>

Eternal You

Hans Block Moritz Riesewieck

<p>Startups are using AI to create avatars that allow relatives to talk with their loved ones after they have died. An exploration of a profound human desire and the consequences of turning the dream of immortality into a product.</p> <p>&ldquo;I wanted to see if he was okay,&rdquo; explains Christi, one of the users of Project December. With this innovative software, users can communicate with a virtual version of the deceased through a chatbot that simulates the dead person&rsquo;s conversation patterns. Hers was an attempt to check on her first love. Others may simply miss someone, seek permission to move on, or want to rid themselves of guilt.</p> <p>Little is known about the effects that this kind of generative AI might have on our brains, hearts, and wallets. The filmmakers, Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck (<em>The Cleaners</em>, 2018 Sundance Film Festival), do not claim to have the answers, but instead bring up various emotional and moral complexities we should be aware of. <em>Eternal You</em> poses important questions about algorithmic immortality, and the need to take a closer look at our future &ldquo;digital remains.&rdquo;&mdash;AT</p>

Nocturnes

Anirban Dutta Anupama Srinivasan

<p>In the dense forests of the Eastern Himalayas, moths are whispering something to us. In the dark of night, two curious observers shine a light on this secret universe.</p> <p>Deep in the pitch-black forest, a few hundred moths are drawn by a single source of illumination to a piece of hung canvas. Only through this intimate examination can their existence, and the happenings of their world, be made visible. Though moth life spans are measured in hours and represent only a small amount of the immense biodiversity of their species, in these small beings lies a history of our planet. With a transportive and experiential visual style and immersive sound that brings you to a place few people can travel, co-directors Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan&rsquo;s <em>Nocturnes </em>gives us a multi-millennia vision of time nearly beyond our human-scale perception.&mdash;SS</p>

Objectif Wild : face à face avec les requins

Florian Launette

<p>The shark, this large predator whose life and behavior are generally unknown to the general public, is often the victim of a reputation built on myths. Bloodthirsty, dangerous, aggressive... what reality is hidden behind these clich&eacute;s?</p>

Toti (2024)

Maëlle Chevallier

<p>Two small cells meet and grow up in harmony, until a forced separation turns them into beings so different<br /> that they cannot continue on their journey together.</p>

Tardigrades : les créatures de l'extrême

Raphaël Hitier

<p>They may be no bigger than a pinhead, but tardigrades are among the hardiest creatures on Earth&mdash;and the cutest! Despite their miniature bear appearance, tardigrades have impressive abilities that pique scientists&#39; curiosity. They can survive extreme temperatures, lack of oxygen, levels of radiation, and crushing pressure that would kill most other animals. From the vacuum of space to the forests of Italy, to labs in Paris, Tokyo, and Wyoming, the elusive tardigrades reveal their secrets. From knowledge revealed through simple observation to the results of more ambitious research projects, tardigrades contribute to the development of life, medical, and applied sciences.</p>