Documentary
United States of America
Citizen Bio is a documentary film directed by Trish Dolman that explores the world of biohacking, a DIY movement in which individuals experiment with genome editing, gene therapy, and other advanced biotechnologies outside of traditional institutions and without regulatory oversight. The film focuses on four biohackers: David Ishee, a Mississippian dog breeder who aims to use CRISPR technology to cure genetic diseases in animals; Gabriel Licina, a scientist from Seattle who uses biohacking to enhance his senses; Michael Laufer, a Silicon Valley engineer who creates DIY medical devices to make healthcare more affordable and accessible; and Josiah Zayner, a former NASA biologist who sells DIY genetic engineering kits online.
The film also examines the friendship between the biohackers and Aaron Traywick, a charismatic and controversial figure who founded a biohacking company called Ascendance Biomedical. Traywick gained notoriety for injecting himself with an experimental herpes treatment at a biohacking conference in 2018 and for advocating for medical experimentation outside of traditional channels. However, Traywick's life took a tragic turn when he was found dead in a sensory deprivation tank at a meditation spa in Washington, D.C. in April 2018. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and his passing shook the biohacking community.
Through interviews with the biohackers and footage of their labs, experiments, and personal lives, Citizen Bio explores the potential benefits and risks of biohacking and the ethical implications of DIY biotechnology. The film also delves into the motivations and personalities of the biohackers and their complex relationships with Traywick, who was both a mentor and a polarizing figure. Ultimately, Citizen Bio raises questions about the role of regulation, science, and humanity in a world where anyone can become a biohacker.
