Power of the cell (The)

Directed by

Antje Schmidt

Written by

Antje Schmidt

Produced by

Werner Vennewald

Documentary, Germany, 2008, 43 min

This documentary shows scientists from France, Germany, Sweden and Moldova, as they carry out work in their various fields of stem cells research. They include a gynaecologist from Bochum in Germany who proves in tests on rats that stem cells from the umbilical cord blood are capable of repairing brain damage sustained by newborns due to a lack of oxygen during birth for example. The film also reports on one of the world's best transplant surgeons who has succeeded in artificially growing heart valves in the lab. These heart valves have the potential to grow and are therefore extremely suitable for transplantion in children. In the French city Mulhouse a cardiologist treating patients with serious cardiac disease says even new complex tissue can be generated with the help of stem cell therapy on the heart. The documentary takes a look at these renowned European scientists and their ground-breaking achievements, illustrating them with accounts from their patients.

In addition the film explains in simple terms the difference between adult and embryonic stem cells, and shows the key various ethical positions of the European countries involved. A report from Sweden shows how advanced research in embryonic stem cells is so far.

The documentary's chief aim is to relate this very topical but complex matter in a comprehensible and animating way.

Debate with :

• Michel Puceat, specialist of Embryonic stem cells and their therapeutic uses
• Philippe Menasche, cardiac cells surgeon. European Hospital Georges Pompidou (Paris)

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Film information ( french): The power of the cell