SDH Captioned
Grades 7 - 12, College, Adults
Directed by Rosie Dransfeld
Produced by Vanessa Dylyn, Rosie Dransfeld
DVD Purchase $350, Rent $95
US Release Date: 2025
Copyright Date: 2024
DVD ISBN: 1-961192-52-7
Subjects
African Studies
Animal Welfare
Antibiotics
Bacteriophages
Biology
Biotechnology
Developing World
Epidemiology
Fair Trade
Genomics
Globalization
Health
Inequality
Medicine
Microbiology
Phage Therapy
Science
Technology
Society
Sociology
Sustainable Development
Water
Awards and Festivals
Best Documentary, Salt Spring Island Film Festival
Best of Show, WRPN Women's International Film Festival
Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival
Examines how phage therapy could be a solution to the growing global health crisis of antibiotic resistance.
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"[T]he most important documentary I have seen in years." Karl Drlica, Prof. Microbiology, NJ Medical School, Rutgers Univ |
[Note: Community screenings of THE GOOD VIRUS can be booked at Bullfrog Communities.]
Antibiotics are failing. What will we do when 10 million people are projected to die every year due to bacterial infections? The misuse of antibiotics is causing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans and animals, including the overuse of antibiotics in food sources consumed by humans every day.
As millions are dying of bacterial Infections, scientists from all over the world are discovering phage therapy—"the good virus"—that kills superbugs, which are increasingly invulnerable to antibiotic treatments. Phages, or "bacteriophages," are viruses that occur in nature and destroy bacterial cells. These "good viruses" have been shown to save people who were dangerously ill from bacterial infection. Importantly, unlike antibiotics, phages destroy the "bad" bacteria, but leave the good bacteria unharmed.
In its One Health approach, the film explores the scientists' revolutionary approach of using phages to combat deadly bacteria in the environment, in animals and humans, and to create an equal healthcare system—in which they can do the research, produce and sell the phages at prices they set—giving low-income countries independence from Big Pharma.
Reviews
"The evolution of superbugs is a global crisis! This insightful film shows how phage research is being utilized in the US and, more importantly, in developing countries to treat antibiotic-resistant infections in humans and other animals."
"This is an engaging look at the promises and prospects of bacteriophages as therapeutics for treating human infections, especially those caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria. The story takes us between the developing world where new, effective, and less expensive medicines are needed, and research labs in the US and Europe that are advancing the science of bacteriophages. The active development of phage biology and therapy programs in the developing world is an inspiring commentary on new solutions to old diseases."
"This film is so inspiring. As a phage researcher, I am reminded and excited anew by the potential of phage to help solve our global antimicrobial resistance crisis. The Good Virus convincingly demonstrates that phage therapy can be developed and used cheaply in any and every country."
"The Good Virus is the most important documentary I have seen in years. This uplifting film introduces the general public to bacteriophage therapy as a way to address the very serious problem of antibiotic resistance. Engaging the public is important, because patients, rather than doctors, will continue to be the drivers of phage therapy. This outstanding teaching tool shows science in action with real labs, real agar plates, real phage plaques, and the realities of field collection."
"The Good Virus includes brilliant storytelling that will recruit anyone to the significance of the looming threat of drug-resistant bacteria and to the promise of phage therapy. This film opens your eyes to the barriers that health care providers and scientists face in accessing funds and resources needed to address the threat of drug-resistant bacterial infections in areas of the world that are most vulnerable. Students will be inspired by the potential for bacteriophages in medicine and by the innovative scientists studying them."
"Highly Recommended...The documentary balances scientific rigor with human stories, illustrating both the urgency of the crisis and the ingenuity of those working to address it. The Good Virus succeeds not only as an educational film but also as a call to action. It invites viewers to rethink our relationship with antibiotics, recognize the global nature of microbial threats, and consider innovative solutions that could redefine the future of healthcare."