Biotechnology is revolutionising industries, from healthcare to agriculture, and these documentaries provide an insider's look into this dynamic field. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about how science is shaping our future, this curated list offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of biotech innovation. Each film brings unique insights, showcasing the breakthroughs, challenges, and ethical dilemmas faced by those at the forefront of this exciting industry.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017)
Description: While not strictly about biotechnology in industry, this film explores the ethical issues surrounding the use of HeLa cells, which have been pivotal in biotech research, highlighting the human side of scientific advancement.
Fact: Oprah Winfrey stars in and produced this adaptation of Rebecca Skloot's bestselling book.


Food Evolution (2016)
Description: Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, this film tackles the controversy surrounding GMOs, providing a balanced look at the science, politics, and public perception of biotechnology in food production.
Fact: The film was produced by Scott Hamilton Kennedy, who also directed the Oscar-nominated documentary "The Garden."


Human Nature (2019)
Description: This documentary delves into the ethical and scientific debate surrounding gene editing, particularly the CRISPR technology, which has the potential to change the course of human evolution. It's a must-watch for understanding the implications of biotechnology in our lives.
Fact: The film features interviews with key figures in the biotech industry, including Jennifer Doudna, one of the pioneers of CRISPR.


The Gene: An Intimate History (2020)
Description: Based on Siddhartha Mukherjee's book, this documentary series traces the history of genetics, from Mendel's peas to modern gene therapy, offering a comprehensive look at how biotechnology has evolved.
Fact: The series was produced by Ken Burns, known for his in-depth historical documentaries.


Unnatural Selection (2019)
Description: This series follows the pioneers of gene editing, exploring the ethical, social, and scientific implications of altering human DNA. It's a deep dive into the biotech industry's most controversial frontier.
Fact: The documentary was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.


Okja (2017)
Description: While not strictly a documentary, this film by Bong Joon-ho explores the impact of biotechnology on agriculture through the story of a genetically modified super-pig. It's included for its thought-provoking narrative on biotech ethics.
Fact: The film was produced by Netflix and features a mix of live-action and CGI to bring the unique creature to life.


The Seed: The Untold Story (2016)
Description: This film explores the importance of seed diversity in the face of biotechnology's push towards uniformity, offering a unique perspective on the biotech industry's impact on agriculture.
Fact: It was screened at over 100 film festivals worldwide.


The Future of Food (2004)
Description: This film investigates the impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on our food supply, exploring the biotech industry's role in agriculture and its potential long-term effects.
Fact: It was one of the first documentaries to critically examine the GMO debate.


The Invisible Extinction (2018)
Description: This documentary focuses on the biotech industry's efforts to save endangered species through genetic technologies, highlighting the potential and pitfalls of such interventions.
Fact: It features interviews with scientists working on de-extinction projects.


The Human Genome Project (2003)
Description: This documentary chronicles the monumental effort to map the entire human genome, showcasing the biotech industry's role in one of the most significant scientific endeavors of our time.
Fact: The film includes interviews with key scientists involved in the project.
