April 26, 2007

Documentary explores life, lab of stem cell expert Jack Kessler

Film 'Promise and Peril of Stem Cell Research' premieres May 10 in Chicago, May 16 in Evanston

The admission-free documentary “Terra Incognita: The Promise and Peril of Stem Cell Research” will be premiered for the public at two locations: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at Thorne Auditorium, Rubloff Building, 375 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago campus; and 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at Ryan Family Auditorium, Technological Institute.

The film looks at the life and laboratory of Jack Kessler, M.D., a renowned stem cell expert and chair of neurology at the Feinberg School of Medicine. In 2001, Kessler’s 15-year-old daughter, Allison, was paralyzed below the waist in a skiing accident. In response, Kessler shifted the focus of his lab to regenerating the damaged spinal cord. “Terra Incognita” explores his frustrating and exhilarating research, as well as the lives of two young women altered by spinal cord injury and the heated debate about embryonic stem cell research.

Featuring personal interviews with the Kesslers, lab researchers and others affected by spinal cord injury, Terra Incognita movingly depicts the high stakes involved in the quest to harness the full potential of stem cell medicine.

The movie was produced by the Chicago-based Kartemquin Films and directed by Maria Finitzo.

Each film screening will be followed by a question and answer session with Jack Kessler; Laurie Zoloth, a Northwestern professor of medical humanities and bioethics, who is in the film; and film director Finitzo.

For more information, including maps, a film trailer, and discounted parking information for the Chicago event (Evanston parking is free), visit the Center for Genetic Medicine’s web site at www.cgm.northwestern.edu or call 312-503-5600.

The screenings are part of the Center for Genetic Medicine Silverstein Lecture Series. They are sponsored by the Center for Genetic Medicine of Northwestern, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Evanston Northwestern Healthcare.