Zebrafish Research Documentary By Jennifer Manner

An Amazing Documentary About Zebrafish Research

Zebrafish: Practically People, Transforming the Study of Disease, is an official selection of the Oregon Documentary Film Festival 2018. This film was also nominated for the Best Editing Award. One of the best documentary films on the Film Festival Circuit in 2018, we enjoyed screening this Zebrafish research film  on May 26, 2018 in Portland. I am amazed at how many times this film has screened at documentary film festivals internationally. I feel that "Zebrafish: Practically People, Transforming How We Study Disease" is an excellent film. Because it provides an overview of the benefits of Zebrafish as a biomedical research model. Most importantly, this is an easy-to-understand, visually-stunning documentary directed by Jennifer Manner.

Synopsis:  Zebrafish: Practically People,Transforming the Study of Disease

Viewed by many in the biomedical community as relatively new research model. Zebrafish research has been helping scientists effectively investigate and fight human disease for over 30 years. Furthermore, the scientists who do Zebrafish research are passionate about its benefits. Many have had amazing success using Zebrafish to develop and test therapies. Especially for some of the most prevalent and devastating human diseases. Zebrafish: Practically People shares the areas where biomedical research using Zebrafish is making a difference. From cancer to Alzheimer’s to spectrum disorders such as autism research.

Zebrafish Research Saves Money

Zebrafish are a low-cost vertebrate model organism with some very unique attributes. Including the fact that Zebrafish share almost all of the same organs as humans. They are also cost-effective and reproduce in a transparent embryo which develops outside of the womb. This feature provides unprecedented scientific opportunity. The increasingly-recognized value of the Zebrafish model is well documented. Today, even scientists on NASA’s International Space Station work with them to study gravity effects. This film concludes with a call for additional funding to support the critical work of scientists using the Zebrafish model.

Jennifer Manner: The Zebrafish Research Connection

Jennifer is a Zebrafish advocate. Spreading the word about how Zebrafish have the potential to be the salvation of humankind. Mrs. Manner is also the CEO and Founder of ZScientific, LLC. A company focused on biomedical research utilizing the Zebrafish model. She is also a Board Member of ZScientific Foundation. A not-for-profit committed to funding the innovative biomedical research that includes the Zebrafish research model. I think this film has a great mission and website to find out more information.

Director Jennifer Manner Biography

When not making films, Jennifer is the Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs of EchoStar Corporation. The largest U.S. commercial geostationary orbit satellite operator. She is focused on spectrum management and policy. Jennifer is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center. Mrs. Manner has authored two published books and numerous magazine and scholarly articles. Jennifer holds a B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany in Theater Arts and Political Science. Also, a JD cum laude from New York Law School. As well as an LLM from Georgetown University Law Center. She lives in a house full of Zebrafish paraphernalia with her husband, Dr. Eric Glasgow, and her golden doodle, Sophie.

Interview with Jennifer Manner (Part One)

1. First of all, why submit to the Oregon Documentary Film Festival was a good place to submit and screen your film? "Zebrafish research first began in Oregon. Back to the source."
2. Is there any special meaning to the title? "Zebrafish: Practically People, Transforming the Study of Disease. Our title points out how zebrafish can be used as human avatars to fight disease."
3. Even more, why did you choose to tell this particular story? "I am a firm believer that zebrafish are not well known enough for the biomedical attributes. It was important to get the story out."
4. Did you discover certain story elements during the production of this film that you never expected to find in the planning stages of this project? "The passion of the zebrafish scientific community is astounding."

Zebrafish Film: Director's Statement

Healthcare spending is out of control. What if…we could get better biomedical data, spend pennies on the dollar, and get results in a fraction of the time? Zebrafish, a proven but under-recognized and underutilized biomedical research model, can do that. Zebrafish are human avatars: their immune system is remarkably similar to ours, they share 70 percent of the same genes, and 84 percent of genes associated with human disease have a Zebrafish counterpart!

Interview with Jennifer Manner (Part Two)

1. Creating this film was probably a huge investment. Consequently, how did you fund this film? "I funded this film myself with some crowdfunding as well. Also, I am an artist and I sold some of my paintings for a good portion of the costs."
2. What kind of audience reaction are you getting to this film? "Fantastic, because I find people who see the movie, leave with a new understanding. It seems like they have a better idea about of the benefits of biomedical and zebrafish research. What is really amazing is the occasional email I get from someone whose life has been improved because of the Zebrafish."
3. Even more, do you have plans for a sequel or future film that you are working on? "Yes, I am working on a film in my other passion, which is telecommunications. The name of the film is "When Wire Was King When Wire Was King." A one-hour documentary that puts the telecommunications revolution into historical context. While also looking into the crystal ball of the future. Talking to the world’s leading telecommunications experts, to see, where we are probably going."
4. Finally, you have completed a documentary film, which is a huge achievement. Certainly you must have some advice for a future filmmaker that is about to start a documentary project? Furthermore, can you offer any advice that you wish you had been given. Maybe before you started your production? "Yes. I certainly believe that you have to select a crew you can trust and then listen to them. Furthermore, they can be your best advisors. Also, remember that this is a team effort."