Contagion

A realistic medical thriller starring Jude Law, Matt Damon and Kate Winslet about a deadly virus which spreads out of control. Inspired by the SARs and swine flu outbreaks, Contagion shows how infections can spread swiftly through casual interactions and cross a continent within a day. The film will be introduced by microbiologist Joanna Verran and evolutionary geneticist David A. Kirby and followed by a discussion about deadly viruses and bacteria, and how to avoid them.

Joanna Verran is professor of Microbiology at Manchester Metropolitan University.  In addition to her more traditional research and teaching activities, which focuses on the interactions occurring between micro-organisms and surfaces, she is also interested in using art, literature and cinema to encourage discourse and learning about microbiology amongst 'non-scientists'.

David A. Kirby was an evolutionary geneticist whose work appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences before leaving bench science to study the interactions among science, media, and cultural meanings.  he has explored the collaboration between scientists and the entertainment industry in his book "Lab Coats in Hollywood: Science, Scientists, and Cinema".

Don't miss this special screening, in a pop-up HD cinema in MOSI's 1830 Warehouse.