“Human Race explores some of humanity’s most pressing questions throughout history. What makes us who we are? And why are we the way we are? It isn’t, however, a traditional science movie. The film offers an intimate, unflinching portrait of maverick scientist Eske Willerslev, adding depth to the broader scientific context and profound insights to our understanding of who we are.”
Niklas Engstrøm, Artistic Director of CPH:DOX
logline
In a relentless attempt to build the largest library of the genetic blueprint of humanity, maverick professor gets swirled into the tangle his work creates.
synopsis
Spearheaded by maverick professor Eske Willerslev, an international team of scientists undertakes an unprecedented quest: to decode the DNA of 5,000 ancient humans. As their groundbreaking genetic archive expands, it begins to reveal unexpected secrets—reshaping what we thought we knew about human history and evolution. Could conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and autism have always been part of our genetic makeup? And might these so-called disorders be intrinsic to being human? For five years, Danish filmmaker Simon Lec and his crew have followed Willerslev, capturing the highs and lows of a man driven by ambition and haunted by questions of identity. This documentary is not only a portrait of a scientist striving to leave his mark on the world, but also a deeply personal journey—one that challenges what it means to be different and suggests that the answers may lie deep within our ancient genes.
details
‘Written and directed by Simon Lec
Produced by Jacob Levin Krogh
Director of Photography Benjamin Kirk, DFF
Produced by Move Copenhagen. Supported by The Danish Film Institute in Association with TV2 Denmark.