Gene Hunters

Producer/Director: Torbjorn Morvik 
and Petter Nome

Production Co: Ying-Yang Films

Year: 1988

Genre: Documentary

Region: Columbia

Duration: 54'

Language: English

Could DNA from the blood of indigenous peoples hold the secret of new drugs to treat ravaging human diseases like AIDS or motor neurone disease? Genetic scientists working on the worldwide Human Genome Biodiversity Project believe it's possible, and in the remote rainforests of northern Colombia they're collecting blood from the Ahuaco and Asario Indians to provide DNA - the genetic chemical code that defines an individual's genetic characteristics - for their labs.  They aim to gather the genetic blueprint of 700 pure blooded tribal peoples before they become extinct or lose their unique genetic make-up through intermarriage.  But, as Luke Holland's fascinating film underlines, there is a dilemma.  New drugs can earn massive profits, and, community leaders ask, who will benefit?, the Indians, or the wealthy pharmaceutical companies?