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Official Website
Sweet Fern Productions
Parasites: A User's Guide
A film about ecology, healing, and worms.
Video: Parasites: A User's Guide (trailer)
Overview
Genre
Science, Adventure, Environment, and Human Interest
Synopsis
The word "parasite" comes with loads of vile connotations, but in nature, nothing is purely good or evil. In the 27-minute experimental documentary "Parasites: A User’s Guide," filmmaker Sharon Shattuck embarks on a journey to decode some of the most misunderstood creatures on earth.
The dramatic rise in autoimmune diseases, asthma, and allergies since the turn of the last century has confounded scientists, but some researchers think they have uncovered the key to controlling the skyrocketing rates: tiny parasitic worms called 'helminths.' Using a blend of handmade and digital animation and indie music, Sharon dives headlong into the controversial discourse surrounding 'helminthic therapy,' with help from scientific researchers, active patients and a renegade entrepreneur named Jasper Lawrence. Through the seeming oxymoron of the 'helpful parasite,' Sharon questions the nature of our relationship with parasites--and suggests a new paradigm for the future.
Stage
finished
Running time
27 minutes
Links
Official Website
Parasites: A User's Guide Official Website
Credits
Sharon Shattuck
... Director/Producer/Animation
Kelly Brickner
... Animation
Production Details
Prod. Co.
Sweet Fern Productions
Country
United States
Production years
2009-2010
Locations
USA: Michigan, California, New York City, Boston
Distribution Details
Festivals
Traverse City Film Festival, Wild and Scenic Film Festival, International Science Film Festival
Language
English
Video: Parasites: A User's Guide (trailer)
Overview
Genre
Science, Adventure, Environment, and Human InterestSynopsis
The word "parasite" comes with loads of vile connotations, but in nature, nothing is purely good or evil. In the 27-minute experimental documentary "Parasites: A User’s Guide," filmmaker Sharon Shattuck embarks on a journey to decode some of the most misunderstood creatures on earth.
The dramatic rise in autoimmune diseases, asthma, and allergies since the turn of the last century has confounded scientists, but some researchers think they have uncovered the key to controlling the skyrocketing rates: tiny parasitic worms called 'helminths.' Using a blend of handmade and digital animation and indie music, Sharon dives headlong into the controversial discourse surrounding 'helminthic therapy,' with help from scientific researchers, active patients and a renegade entrepreneur named Jasper Lawrence. Through the seeming oxymoron of the 'helpful parasite,' Sharon questions the nature of our relationship with parasites--and suggests a new paradigm for the future.