‘After the Apocalypse’: a film about cleaning up after nuclear experimentation
11 May 2011
After the Apocalypse follows the story of Bibigul, a young pregnant woman with what local doctors call a "frightful, defected face". She is the daughter of Biken, a deformed survivor of a Cold War experiment where nuclear weapons were secretly tested on the population of Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan.
During the Soviet era, the people of Semipalatinsk were unknowingly used as human guinea pigs in the testing of 456 nuclear warheads. While locals were encouraged to fish and swim in the radioactive crater lakes, their doctors analysed the results.
Today, sheep graze in the radioactive bomb craters and the local population continues to live with the consequences. Many believe that the nuclear testing is the reason why one in 20 children in the area are born with birth defects. Confronted with the appalling legacy, but not willing to leave, the community is divided over what to do next.
The scientific evidence as to whether genetic defects caused by radiation can be passed down to the children of those exposed is not conclusive. However, Dr Toleukhan Nurmagambetov, head of the city's maternity clinic, believes it's the only explanation for the area's horrific cycle of birth deformities and wants it to end. His solution: a genetic passport, which will prevent descendants of the original survivors who are carrying suspect genes from giving birth.
On finding out that she is pregnant, Bibigul is sent to Dr Nurmagambetov for further analysis. Yet despite Nurmagambetov's judgement that the child will probably be born with Down's syndrome and his pleas for her to get an abortion, Bibigul vows to keep her child. As Bibigul fights for hope, Nurmagambetov calls for the law to be changed. But are genetic policies that can only be described as eugenic really necessary? Will Bibigul's child be born healthy or not?
This is the untold story of a great tragedy. The film forces us to consider what should be done, both with the unexpected and long-lasting legacy of nuclear weapons and with the responsibility that comes with the power of genetic technology.
The world premiere of 'After the Apocalypse' takes place at the Prince Charles Cinema in London tonight, followed by a question-and-answer session with leading genetics and ethics specialists. Further screenings are taking place at cinemas around the country during the summer.
'After the Apocalypse' was supported by a Wellcome Trust People Award.
World premiere
Prince Charles Cinema, London
Wednesday 11 May, 18.30
Tickets £15 (£13) |
Book online
The world premiere screening will be followed by a Q&A with Baroness Helena Kennedy, the former Head of the Human Genetics Commission; Professor Yuri Dubrova, Professor of Genetics at the University of Leicester; and Steve Wilkinson, Professor of Medical Ethics at Keele University.
Cinema screenings
Prince Charles Cinema, London
Friday 13 May, 21.00
Tickets £15 (£13) |
Book online
Empire Leicester Square, London
Sunday 15 May, 18.00
www.empirecinemas.co.uk
Curzon Soho, London
Thursday 2 June, 20.00
www.curzoncinemas.com/cinemas/soho/
Duke of York’s Picturehouse, Brighton
Tuesday 7 June, 18.30
www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Duke_Of_Yorks/
Broadway Cinema, Nottingham
Thursday 23 June, 21.15
www.broadway.org.uk/
Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 July
www.ica.org.uk/
Showroom, Sheffield
Tuesday 5 July, 18.30
www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/
Image credit: Anthony Butts.
