Films
EuroStemCell produced four short films looking at different aspects of stem cell research. Use the numbered links below to jump straight to the film you are interested in, read what other people thought in our feedback and reviews page, or take a look at details of film screenings.
You can also order a DVD of the four films via the University of Edinburgh's online store. Prices start at £8 for a single copy (incl. delivery) with discounts for orders of multiple copies. Buy now.
A Stem Cell Story
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This 15-minute film provides an engaging, accessible and visually stunning introduction to the world of stem cell research. It uses innovative hand-drawn animation, beautiful cell photography and documentary interviews to capture the fascination and complexity of this cutting-edge area of science.
Why not also download our Quick Quiz on the key concepts described in A Stem Cell Story?
Awards and festivals
Best TV/video production, Tromsø Science Media Festival
Best short film, Scinema (Australia)
In competition, Science Film Festival (Bangkok), BaKaFORUM 2007, Vedere la Scienza
**Read audience feedback and reviews**
Downloads
Download a video podcast of the film via iTunes (in English, French, German or Italian)
Download WMV or Quicktime version of the film (English only) from the website of European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potočnik
Download a transcript (English) of the film in PDF format (118Kb)
Conversations: ethics, science, stem cells
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Human embryonic stem celli lines are generated from blastocysts - early human embryos. But what are blastocysts, and when does personhood begin? What justifies research? Doctors, scientists, ethicists, theologians and a patient bring their different points of view, in this thought-provoking exploration of the ethical issues surrounding stem cell research. Awards and festivalsIn competition, Science Film Festival (Bangkok) Further readingThe two review articles below, by Kristina Hug, explore in more depth some of the issues raised in the "Conversations..." film. These articles were written as part of a project and workshop series on ethical and societal issues related to stem cell research for the original EuroStemCell.
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Cell culture
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| This six-minute film takes a closer look at how and why scientists grow stem cells in the lab. With the same visual style that makes A Stem Cell Story so appealing, this film's mix of timelapse photography, live action and hand-drawn animation transports viewers into the cell culture lab. Ideal for senior biology classes. | |||||||||
Dolly and beyond
 | - This film is only available on DVD - How was Dolly the sheep made? Are there different kinds of cloning? What are their implications? Scientists, doctors and philosophers address these questions with particular emphasis on the ethics of cloning. |
Stem Cell Stories: feedback and reviews
What did you think?
Complete our quick online survey: general audiencesteachers
or email your feedback
What did viewers think?
"Lovely hand-drawn animation""Engaging and informative"
"Superb introduction to the subject. Pitched at exactly the right level to be informative to a newcomer."
"Both the content and visual presentation of the film are very impressive. Great use of diagrams and real-life examples to demonstrate the concepts and clinical uses. I am going to send the link to friends and family!"
"Fantastic, it kept year 11 transfixed and really got discussion underway"
What did reviewers think?
"These video resources from eurostemcell.org
are well worth investing in ... Great quality, short and suitable."
Science Video Resources
Read the full review by Philipp Gebhardt at Science in School
Stem Cell Stories: screenings
Some of the festivals and events our films have screened at. If your screening event is not listed here, use our contact form to send us the details.
| July 2009 |
A Stem Cell Story screens at the International Society for Stem Cell Research Public Symposium in Barcelona |
| Feb 2009 |
Stem cells are topic of the month at Health Innovations in Context, a bilingual (French/English) blog set up to foster debate on medical innovations. A Stem Cell Story, Cell culture and Conversations: ethics, science, stem cells all feature. |
| 20 Jun 2008 |
A Stem Cell Story screens at 5a Giornata di Studio sulle Cellule Staminali: Le Cellule Staminali Tumorali |
| 15 Nov 2007 |
A Stem Cell Story screens at Vedere la Scienza (Milan) |
| Nov 2007 |
Conversations: ethics, science, stem cells screens in competition at Goethe-Institut Science Film Festival in Bangkok |
| 22 Jun 2007 | A Stem Cell Story screens at 3a Giornata di Studio sulle Cellule Staminali: Terapie cellulari con cellule staminali adulte |
| 13 Apr 2007 |
Edinburgh International Science Festival event, The Stem Cell Dream |
| 18 Mar 2007 |
A Stem Cell Story screens at an ALARME public event (French association supporting spinal cord research) |
| 27 Jan 2007 |
Screening of A Stem Cell Story at BaKaFORUM 2007 |
| Nov 2006 |
A Stem Cell Story screens in competition at Goethe-Institut Science Film Festival in Bangkok |
| 14 Nov 2006 |
Screening of A Stem Cell Story at Diabète et Obésité: Portes Ouvertes event |
| 6 Nov 2006 |
Screening of A Stem Cell Story and Conversations: ethics, science, stem cells at Greenbank Church meeting of the Christian Education Committee, followed by Q&A with filmmakers and scientist (Edinburgh) |
| 22 Sep 2006 |
Screening of A Stem Cell Story at La notte bianca dei ricercatori: il magico mondo delle cellule staminali |
| 19 Sep 2006 |
Public screening of A Stem Cell Story in Hydra, Greece, followed by open meeting attended by island locals and EuroStemCell scientists. |
| Aug 2006 |
A Stem Cell Story screens at Scinema 2006, the 6th International Festival of Science Film in Sydney, and wins award for best short film. |
| 6 Jun 2006 |
A Stem Cell Story screens at Tromso Science Media Festival, and wins award for best TV/video production |
| 1 Apr 2006 |
A Stem Cell Story screens at Carlops science fair |
| 11 Nov 2005 |
A Stem Cell Story screens at Bioethics Film Festival on Human Cloning in Edinburgh |