DNA : decrypting a human journey

Directed by

Franck Guérin et Emmanuel Leconte

Written by

Emmanuel Leconte

Produced by

Doc en stock - Arte France

Documentary, France, 2011, 52 min

Since the advent of the human race, we have passed on our genetic code from generation to generation. And time has shown that man is actually one of the most homogeneous mammalian species to exist... as evidenced by a DNA analysis of two random human beings coming from different sides of the planet - the difference between them is practically non-existent … only about 0.1%! It is because we have all basically descended from a closely-knit group of individuals. Our genetic heritage goes back 200,000 years. Some 10,000 men and women of prehistory formed the basis of our modern genetic make-up. And according to geneticists, these individuals are the African great-great-great (etc...) grandparents of the 7 billion people we are today. This film proves once and for all the absurdity of “race” and sheds new light on the origins and evolution of the human populations. Our differences lie simply in the need to adapt which has always been the best chance of survival for the human race.

Debate with :

• Alain Froment, Research Director at the IRD
• Emmanuel Leconte, director
• Daniel Leconte, producer

Know more

• The film can be rent or bought on ARTE's website. (French)