The new film from the directors of the incredibly successful MICROCOSMOS is an even more ambitious project. Epic in scope, GENESIS starts at the creation of the Universe, and follows its progress as it fills with gases, stars and planets. The film then focuses on Earth, with its vast array of exotic inhabitants. It's a true wonder to behold and demands to be seen on the big screen.

Several years in the making, the footage of the Earth's lving things is spectacular and unbelievably intimate; creatures are painstakingly captured as they evolve from the foetal stage, or as they eat, stroll, fight and court. There are countless unforgettable scenes: a chicks-eye-view as it pecks from inside its egg; a jellyfish evaporating in the sun; a barnacle-like fish using its sharp forehead to spear other sea dwellers. Captivating and startling time-lapse sequences show animals and even a human-to-be gestating in the womb.

GENESIS presents what science knows about the origins of the Universe, in simple, vivid language with the help of a distinguished African storyteller (Sotigui Kouyate). His interstitial demonstrations of the concepts, tie together the relevance of the majestic images of the natural world, to illustrate the life cycle of the planet. Terrific sound design, extraordinary locations and a splendid score complement the striking and groundbreaking images - and create a must-experience cinema event!

France/Italy - 2004 - Documentary - 77 mins
In French with English subtitles

Directors: Claude Nuridsany & Marie Perenou
Music: Bruno Coulais
Cast: Sotigui Kouyate as the narrator