WHICH SIDE DO YOU BELONG TO
Irish director Donal Fernandes traces the steps of his two great-uncles who were both shot and killed in action during World War I in the area of Ieper, Belgium in August 1917, within five days of each other. Frederick Falkiner was 22, his brother George was 19. While on the front line, both brothers were exposed to mustard gas, the deadliest chemical weapon of the Great War. |
COMBUSTION MAN
Dr Subith Vasu, researcher at the University of Central Florida, USA, investigates what happens to toxic chemicals during explosions. Science has brought chemical weapons into existence. Dr Vasu’s work is a reminder that many researchers aspire to use science to benefit humanity and counter the menace of chemical weapons. |
BURIED MEMORIES
Anna Zalewska, a Polish archaeologist, arrives at the banks of the River Rawka near Bolimów. To the naked eye, this area’s tragic past seems buried and forgotten. But as Anna identifies the lines of old trenches, she unearths human remains lying just under a thin layer of forest soil. When local people flock to the re-enactment of the historic battle, the past suddenly reveals its gruesome face with the pungent smell of chemical weapons, and the noise and chaos of combat. |
ICH LIEBE DICH
Kayvan Mohammad vividly remembers the Halabja chemical attack in 1988 and aftermath. To this day, Kayvan is not only scarred emotionally but continues to suffer physically from the events. Kayvan faces his hardship with unfailing optimism and in doing so provides a simple but powerful message. |
A TEACHER'S MISSION
Chrétien Schouteten, a retired chemistry teacher, has spent most of his career being concerned about chemists’ responsibilities towards society. A scientist’s knowledge is a powerful tool that can serve many purposes, but what is the value of science to humanity without ethics? |