THE ENDLESS FRONTIER follows four passionate researchers hunting for cures and protecting the planet from disaster, when they unexpectedly find themselves on the frontlines in the fight for the future of science itself.
SYNOPSIS
THE ENDLESS FRONTIER tracks three scientists as their work moves between labs and field sites, from neurorobotics in Utah to immunology in New Jersey to ocean science in the South Pacific. Their research underpins the medicines, technologies, and environmental knowledge that shape our everyday lives.
At this moment when the world needs scientific innovation more than ever, America’s research enterprise is under growing pressure. Funding uncertainty, institutional constraints, and political instability are reshaping the lives of the very people charged with imagining a better future.
THE ENDLESS FRONTIER shows how the American research system is fueled by brilliance and persistence but strained by sacrifice and burnout. The film sounds an important alarm, making clear what we all could lose if the system fails.
ABOUT FILMMAKER(S)
Marilyn Ness
Marilyn Ness is a two-time Emmy, Peabody, and DuPont Award-winning documentary director and producer. As director, Ness is interested in complex, social justice stories from multiple viewpoints. She directed CHARM CITY, an observational documentary exploring the divide between police and citizens, premiering at Tribeca 2018, shortlisted for the 2019 Academy Award®, broadcast on PBS’ Independent Lens, and nominated for an Emmy Award®. Her directorial debut, BAD BLOOD, broadcast on PBS in 2011, chronicles the anatomy of a medical disaster from the perspective of survivors, the medical community, and the pharmaceutical companies responsible. She is currently at work on POSTMORTEM, a personal, interdisciplinary theater and documentary project.
As a former partner in the woman-owned and led documentary company, Big Mouth Productions, Ness supports women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and emerging directors. Ness produced Kirsten Johnson’s groundbreaking films DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD and CAMERAPERSON, Netflix’s BECOMING about Michelle Obama, (dir. Hallgren); Independent Lens’ TRAPPED (dir. Porter) and Netflix’s E-TEAM (dir. Chevigny & Kauffman), and most recently Jamie Boyle’s ANONYMOUS SISTER and Max Lowe’s short film CAMP COURAGE. Altogether her films won four Sundance Jury Prizes, were nominated for ten Primetime/Documentary Emmy’s, and were shortlisted for the Academy Awards four times.
Marilyn was an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s MFA Film Program teaching Producing Documentaries. Marilyn is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
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Women Make Movies (WMM), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit media arts organization registered with the New York Charities Bureau of New York State and accepts charitable donations on behalf of this project. Your donation will be spent by the filmmaker(s) toward the production and completion of this media project. No services or goods are provided by Women Make Movies, the filmmaker(s) or anyone else associated with this project in exchange for your charitable donation.
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