THE MESSENGER aims to bridge the gap between scientists and society through the recent documentary film “THE MESSENGER: A Story of mRNA”.
“There is this concept that science is a lonely quest by a solitary genius, isolated from the world, frantically scribbling equations on a scrap of paper, and then shouting Eureka and running out onto the street to tell the world about the discovery. There’s no question that phenomena like that happened in the history of science. But in truth, the things that make a difference in the real world have features which are kind of hard to make a good movie out of”
– Fyodor Urnov
How does mRNA technology work? Is it really safe? Can the mRNA application lead to gene editing and DNA change? What are the risks compared to traditional adenovirus vaccines? How could this technology revolutionize medicine, as many prominent scientists believe? Could this finally enable a cure for cancer?
Our film seeks to answer these important questions. Through interviews, we open “back stage” doors to the technology founders: Katalin Karikó, who immigrated to the US from Hungary and later together with Drew Weissman discovered nucleoside modifications that suppress immunogenisity in RNA; Steve Pascolo, the first human to receive an mRNA vaccine as part of his own laboratory experiment; Robert Malone who first attempted to bring mRNA into cultured cells to produce proteins in the late 1980’s; Pieter Cullis, best known for lipid nanoparticle drug delivery system advances; Ugur Sahin, who built BioNTech, and came up with the first mRNA based Covid-19 vaccines; Robert Langer, who founded Moderna, to name a few. Some of these scientists collaborated with each other and some worked independently across Europe, Canada and United States. All of them worked tirelessly, experimenting and failing, starting again and again to put this puzzle together and to finally succeed in scaling it up to world-saving levels of vaccine production and distribution.
Now, after the pandemic brought us to this crucial momentum in technological advancement, the leading biotech companies are enacting clinical trials in lung cancer and HIV vaccines, treatment of cardio fibrosis and other deadly diseases, all through mRNA technology.
This film reveals the personal human battles these scientists endured to bring their contributions to the mainstream. It delves into an incredible page in the history of science, exploring the non-linear, even sometimes chaotic ways in which research is often carried out. This is a story that needs to be told, and one that will be celebrated and memorialized for the rest of time.
Yelena Ganshof van der Meersch
Producer, Co-Director and Author
Producer and Host of INSIDE TOMORROW TV talk show, Yelena identifies how biotechnology, robotics, blockchain would change our lives. With a first M.S. degree in Economics, Yelena’s turns her international background working in diplomacy and banking to media production. Siberian by origin she has over 25 years experience living and working in the USA, Russia, Singapore and Switzerland.
Tareq Daoud
Co-Director and Co-Author
With a first degree of M.S. in biology, Tareq turned his passion to cinematography. Since 2012 he works between Geneva and Istanbul on long and short-meterage documentary and fiction films. His film “In Absentia” was selected at the 30th festival Jean Rouch (Paris), at 33rd International Festival New Cinema Latino-American (Havana) and at the 13th Festival Filmar of Latin America (Geneva).
Ev Durán
Co-Director and Co-Author
Four-time Emmy Award-winning producer, cinematographer, and editor, and a nineteen-time nominee “All Its Name Implies” has won the award for “Best Documentary” at multiple international film festivals, and has also won awards for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.
“Bobcats – Football Returns to Paradise” was nominated for two Emmy Awards.
Evgeniya Vinpal
Impact Producer
With a background in international relations, specializing in contemporary conflicts, and over 18 years of experience in international strategic marketing and communications, Evgeniya serves as an Impact Producer focusing on complex global issues. Her expertise lies in shaping pivotal messages and provoking social discussions.
Bettina Hofmann
Commissioning Co-Producer
Bettina Hofmann is a co-head of Radio Television Suisse (RTS) documentary unit – a French speaking Swiss public television channel. Bettina’s life journey spans Switzerland and the United States. Initially studying psychology at the University of Geneva, she later ventured to New York, where she attained a Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking from New York University. Upon her return to Geneva, Bettina embarked on a career as a director and producer joining RTS where her filmography encompasses a diverse array of programs ranging from current affairs to investigation, society and culture.
Steven Artels
Commissioning Co-Producer
Steven Artels, co-head of RTS documentary unit, brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to his role. Building on his passion for theatre and cinema, he pursued studies at the Institut National Supérieur de Arts du Spectacle in Brussels. Upon joining RTS in Geneva, Steve embarks on a dynamic career as a film director, contributing to a multitude of broadcasts and programs, including notable works of “Temps Présent” and “Passe-moiles jumelles”. His outstanding talents were recognized with an award-winning documentary “Tchernobyl, ma centrale bien-aimée”, earning the prestigious first prize at the international festival of report of current affairs (FIGRA) in 1996.
Vincent Michaud
Co-producer
Producer and founder at 2Hérons Production based in Lyon, Vincent Michaud has a vast experience in short and long metrage of documentaries and fiction films in the French arena of cinematography. His filmography list tops with “Not Tomorrow” (2022), “Pif Pif Paf Paf” (2022), “Pearl” (2019), “Kazantzakis” (2017), “Shanghai” (2016), “Comment il s’écrit” (2013), “Sadik2” (2013) and many more.
Jerôme Baur
Composer
When Jerome was ten, he learnt to play the drums and then the piano at the Music Conservatory. At 18 Jerome attended the school of songs and performing arts (SACEM in Paris) for two years. At the same time, he approached film production agencies in Paris and started to work for the pictures in 1989. He received the best music award in 2008 at Locarno festival for film “Petites Vacances” by Olivier Peyon. Creates music for cinema, documentaries and theatre.
Kostas Makrinos
Picture Editor
Greek-born Kostas Makrinos graduated from the High School of Art and Design in Geneva (HEAD) and Art Cantonal School in Lausanne (ÉCAL). Kostas has an impressive track record working for the last 12 yesars as a motion picture editor in numerous productions for cinema, TV and web distribution, best known for “Lasting Beast” (2018) – 6 wins (including editing) and 8 nominations, “Papagajka” (2016) – 4 wins and 10 nominations (including editing), “The End of the World (2019) 7 wins (including best film) and 15 nominations (including editing).
Bronwen Cowley
Picture Editor
During the three decades following the completion of her film studies in South Africa, Bronwen has developed her career as an award-winning producer across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
She has more than 20 years experience working as a director and editor for Swiss National Television (RTS), primarily on long-format magazine programmes, and was awarded the SUVA Media Prize for an investigation on inappropriate medication for this public service broadcaster.
Marcel-Ange Michaud
Color Grading
Cinematographer specialising in documentary with multiple experiences in documentaries, historical reenactment, fiction, television reportages, music videos and web media. As a crew member, he accomplished a number of television projects for Canal +, France 5, Ciné Plus. With a good experience as assistant director, Marcel-Angle is specialising as a chief cameraman, drone operator and color editor with DaVinci Resolve.
Jean Charles Daclin
French Dubbing and Sound Mix
Matt Brascia
Sound and Camera, Canada
With a deep understanding of the power of video and sound, Matt expertly combines visual and audio elements to convey compelling narratives that resonate. His meticulous approach ensures that each project is transformed into a polished final product that stands out and captures attention. Committed to excellence, Matt leverages his technical expertise and creative instincts to elevate storytelling to new heights.
Keith Macri
Additional Camera, US
With the ability to develop, execute, and deliver content, Matt has a strong background in elevating brand perception through rich visuals and engaging storytelling for some of the most notable brands in lifestyle and sport. Also a 17-time Regional Emmy winner who’s a dynamic and creative professional with a wealth of experience in content creation.
Michele Stohen
Web Design and Graphics
Talented web and graphic designer known for her approachable and collaborative nature. With a strong sense of responsibility and a keen eye for detail, Michele excels in creating visually compelling and user-friendly designs. She played a pivotal role in developing the film web and presentation ensuring that the visual identity perfectly aligned with the film’s message. Michele is also skilled at reviewing and refining copy, providing valuable input to enhance content quality.
