#LabMeCrazy! 2023

<p>With Carbon in the news every day, you might think you know everything about her. But you&rsquo;d be wrong. This spectacular and surprisingly unorthodox documentary reveals the paradoxical story of the element that builds all life, and yet may end it all. Narrated in first person by Sarah Snook (Succession), Carbon tells of her birth in the violent core of an exploding star and of turbulent sagas through the fabric of our evolving Earth. Accompanied by celebrated scientists, unique animations and a stunning orchestral score, Carbon reminds us of our humble participation in the most extraordinary story in the universe.</p>

<p>Nuclear power &ndash; yes, please? Thought-provoking insight into the grassroots activist movement convinced that hated nuclear power is the future and the quickest way out of the climate crisis.</p> <p>Gandhi famously said that first they make fun of you, then they fight you, and then they lose. With those words as an inspiration, a group of activists is launching a campaign to convince a sceptical world that nuclear power is the fastest way to get coal out of our energy systems in the face of climate change. With cardboard signs, courage, a love for the climate and thought-provoking facts, they try to convince and convert their many opponents. But over them looms the shadow of fear from the accidents at the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear power plants and the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But what if those fears are not rational and iPhones, for example, cost more lives in traffic every year than nuclear power ever did? And having already opened Pandora&rsquo;s nuclear box, can we ever close it again?</p>

<p>Nerve-wracking high-tech thriller about human genetic engineering, ethical twilight zones and the ability to control evolution, spiced up with grand political battles between the US and China. Thought-provoking science fiction from a future we already live in.</p> <p>Chinese researcher JK has genetically engineered two twin fetuses to be resistant to HIV. A huge scientific breakthrough, but not everyone is equally thrilled, and suddenly JK disappears from the face of the Earth. Like a high-tech thriller from a futuristic and urban future that is already a reality, &lsquo;Make People Better&rsquo; digs deeper and deeper into the case of the missing scientist, which turns out to be the tip of the iceberg in a big political game between China and the US. For if technology can already help us control evolution and create stronger and smarter humans, then perhaps it&rsquo;s not just a question of ethics, but of who comes first?</p>

<p>The Bastard King chronicles the life of a lion from cub to King - battling against an unimaginable enemy that is ravaging a world where blood is becoming easier to find than water. This unique story challenges traditional storytelling - serving as an allegory for endangered species - and our very own fate.</p>

<p>A documentary following nurses, doctors, and administrators in a New York City hospital as they respond to the victims from the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The Future of Food is a 53-minute Dutch documentary that delves into the ideological and practical debates surrounding the future of agriculture. Directed by Karsten de Vreugd and produced by Sugar Rush Film, the film presents contrasting visions of food production: one advocating for technological innovation and large-scale solutions, and the other emphasizing ecological methods and small-scale farming. Through interviews and case studies, the documentary explores the complexities of feeding a growing global population while addressing environmental and ethical concerns.</p>

<p>Taking us behind the scenes with NASA&#39;s high-stakes Webb Space Telescope, The Hunt for Planet B follows a pioneering group of scientists - many of them women - on their quest to find another Earth among the stars.</p>

<p>The Brain Hunter &ndash; Brushes and Pipettes at the Prado is a 30-minute Spanish documentary that delves into the intersection of art and science. Produced by RTVE and Minifilms TV, the film explores how scientific techniques are employed to study and preserve artworks at the Prado Museum. Through the lens of researchers and conservators, the documentary highlights the meticulous processes involved in art restoration and the scientific methods that unveil the secrets hidden within masterpieces.</p>

<p>Tarpon and snook are two of Florida&rsquo;s most iconic game fish. Both species rely on mangrove creeks and ponds when they are juveniles. With half of the state&rsquo;s mangroves lost to development, scientists employ creative solutions to restore and reconnect some of these important habitats to secure the future of the fisheries.</p>

<p>Taiwan&#39;s oceans are aching after decades of pollution and abuse. The vibrant and complex ecosystems off of Taiwan&#39;s coast are beginning to break down. The iconic sea turtles, who have survived for thousands of years, are disappearing in the face of human interference. Scientists are trying to better understand the mysteries of the deep blue to ensure the survival within, but will they be able to mend the deep wounds?</p>

<p>This 57-minute Spanish documentary episode explores the science of sound from various scientific perspectives. Hosted by mathematician Eduardo S&aacute;enz de Cabez&oacute;n, the program delves into the physics, biology, and technology of sound, offering viewers an engaging and informative experience.</p>

<p>The Insect Rescuers is a 29-minute German documentary that delves into the alarming decline of insect populations and the scientific efforts to understand and mitigate this crisis. Directed by Andreas Ewels and produced by ZDF, the film highlights the work of researchers like Professor Alexandra Klein of Freiburg University, who investigates the effects of pesticides on bees through the PoshBee project. The documentary emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to protect insect biodiversity, which is crucial for ecosystem health and agriculture.</p>

<p>Goodbye backyard ice rinks, mountain glaciers and forest biodiversity: what Canada might lose due to climate change.</p>

<p>&ldquo;The Caretakers&rdquo; is a journey into the weird, wonderful and truly astonishing lives of the small yet mighty creatures who keep the world turning &ndash; beetles. They have been successful for millions of years, but they&rsquo;re in serious trouble; what does the future hold for these incredibly important animals, and for us if they disappear?</p>

<p>In 2020, Covid-19 became a pandemic and hurt the world. From then on, our daily life changed. Hope you can take comfort in this film and treasure every moment you have.</p>

<p>A boxing Pancreas has to defeat three different high-sugar villains to defend his title and the boxing ring, a.k.a. the stomach of Mike, who is a teenager that has been eating all kinds of foods non-stop with his grandparents at a buffet, but nothing will have an end if the power of Brocky doesn&#39;t stop this madness.</p>

<p>I Know Nothing about Seagulls is a 10-minute Spanish documentary directed by Ana Tejedor. The film delves into the escalating presence of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) in urban environments, particularly in Barcelona. Through a blend of observational footage and reflective narration, the documentary explores the complex relationship between humans and these often-overlooked urban dwellers, prompting viewers to reconsider their perceptions of wildlife in cityscapes.</p>

<p>It&rsquo;s Bean Too Hot tells the story of farmers whose livelihoods are at stake as they need to quickly adapt to the changing conditions, and the heroes out there fighting for the future of coffee every day. This film shows the effect of climate change through the eyes of those who are feeling it the most. Coffee farmers that have had to struggle with the drastic effect of the changing weather affecting their production completely. But not all is lost! There are solutions that farmers can adapt to change their way of farming and save coffee for the future. By adopting sustainable practices, these solutions not only save your cup of coffee but also protect the environment in return.</p>

<p>What are mosquito fish? Are they fish that jump out of the water to eat mosquitos... or mosquitos that can swim? Learn more about these amazing creatures that can help keep our backyard ponds and fountains mosquito free - without harmful pesticides.</p>

<p>A girl serves fish in a restaurant until it runs out. The film has excerpts from Captain Paul Watson&#39;s TedTalk, founder and president of the an organization called Sea Shepherd, who uses direct action to protect ocean&#39;s life.</p>

<p>Filmed in Colombia, South America, Johnny Holder&#39;s film, Sonora, floats through the perspectives of Juan Pablo Culasso, a sightless birder. The film takes an experimental and reflective approach to observe changing soundscapes in nature and what it&#39;s like for someone without sight to navigate these changes through sound, touch, and smell. The written thesis discusses the origins, inspiration, and production of the film.</p>

<p>Will astronomer Larry Molnar be right and will he be the first scientist ever to correctly predict the explosion of a star? Can a small American university be at the forefront of a groundbreaking theory? Rarely has a scientific experiment been served up as humanly as in&nbsp;<em>Luminous</em>. For this intimate portrait, Molnar and his students were followed for no less than five years, resulting in this sympathetic and disarming documentary about hard, hard science.</p>

<p>Way to Congress &ndash; Chapter 1: The Congress is a 16-minute Spanish short documentary produced by the Instituto de Astrof&iacute;sica de Andaluc&iacute;a (IAA-CSIC). The film offers an insightful look into the inner workings of scientific congresses, highlighting the collaborative efforts, discussions, and exchanges that drive scientific progress. Through behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, it showcases the human aspect of scientific gatherings, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration in the advancement of science.</p>

<p>This 60-minute documentary, directed by Mario Cuesta, commemorates the 250th anniversary of Spain&#39;s National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC). The film offers an in-depth exploration of the museum&#39;s rich history, scientific contributions, and its role in the advancement of natural sciences. Through archival footage, expert interviews, and behind-the-scenes access, viewers gain insight into the museum&#39;s evolution since its founding in 1771.</p>

<p>This 14-minute Spanish documentary, produced by the Scientific Culture Unit of the University of Burgos (UBU) in collaboration with CIBA, delves into the mathematical principles embedded in the architecture of the Cathedral of Burgos. The film explores how geometric concepts and proportions, such as the vesica piscis, were integral to the cathedral&#39;s design, highlighting the intersection of mathematics, art, and spirituality in Gothic architecture.</p>

<p>Chiral molecules come in left- and right-handed forms; discriminating between them can make the difference between life and death...</p>

<p>New Physics is a 54-minute Mexican documentary produced by Akanus and Canal 22, in partnership with the Institute of Nuclear Sciences of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The film delves into contemporary developments in physics, exploring groundbreaking theories and experiments that challenge our understanding of the universe. Through interviews with leading scientists and visualizations of complex concepts, the documentary aims to make advanced physics accessible to a broader audience.</p>

<p>The film explores the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, focusing on the often-overlooked problem of plastic waste infiltrating our soils. It examines how plastic items from various aspects of daily life contribute to long-lasting environmental contamination, potentially leaving a legacy that could define our era as the &quot;Plastic Age.&quot; Through expert interviews and visual storytelling, the documentary highlights the urgent need for awareness and sustainable solutions to address hidden soil pollution.</p>

<p>Utilizing shadow puppetry, the film narrates a young girl&#39;s firsthand experience of devastating typhoons, highlighting the profound impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. The minimalist storytelling approach amplifies the emotional resonance, offering a poignant reflection on environmental challenges faced by the Philippines.</p>

<p>The film explores the profound impact of algorithms and artificial intelligence on various aspects of modern life, particularly focusing on the labor market. Through real-life case studies in Spain, it examines how AI is transforming traditional workflows, from automating tasks in bakeries to enhancing diagnostic processes in healthcare. The documentary raises critical questions about the future of work and the ethical implications of algorithm-driven decision-making.</p>

<p>Delves into the science behind SARS-CoV-2 variants. It elucidates how these variants emerge, their implications for transmissibility and vaccine efficacy, and underscores the significance of genomic surveillance in managing the pandemic.</p>

<p>The Film introduces viewers to the groundbreaking discovery of gravitational waves. It explains how these ripples in spacetime, first predicted by Einstein, provide a novel method for observing the universe, offering insights into cosmic events like black hole collisions.</p>

<p>One Day We Will Dance with You tells the story of two women creating a dance to celebrate water. They imagine dance moves, and argue about science and whether a celebration can still be sad. As the community around them comes together to dance, they begin to imagine a future where the Water Molecule Dance and the celebration of water becomes a part of all our lives.</p>

<p>Human society has suffered from environmental crises, and the relationship between man and nature has never been more worrying and threatening than it is today. At present, scientists are constantly exploring the roots, causes, and solutions to this crisis that threatens the very essence of life on Earth.</p>

<p>Terra Cene is an 8-minute experimental short film that reimagines the 1977 Golden Record as a contemporary time capsule. Through a blend of archival footage, 16mm film, and visual effects, the film explores humanity&#39;s relationship with time, memory, and the environment, urging reflection on our planet&#39;s future.</p>

<p>The Power of Pollinators is a 6-minute documentary that delves into the vital role of North America&#39;s wild, native bees. Through the lens of entomologist Dr. Samuel Ramsey, the film showcases the diversity and beauty of these pollinators and emphasizes their critical contributions to ecosystems.</p>

<p>The Sounds of Space is a 20-minute experimental documentary that explores the auditory landscapes of our solar system and beyond. Through a blend of scientific data, speculative sound design, and immersive visuals, the film takes viewers on a sonic journey to other worlds, highlighting the unique sounds that define different celestial environments.</p>

<p>This 1-minute educational video, produced by the science communication team at UNAM, delves into the fascinating phenomenon of &quot;zombie ants&quot;&mdash;ants infected by the parasitic fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis. The short film explains how the fungus manipulates the behavior of its ant hosts, leading them to climb vegetation and attach themselves before dying, allowing the fungus to grow and release spores.</p>