DNA and You

Television (Full Length) – 2005

Narrated by Joel Tobeck, this 2005 documentary examines the fast-growing science of DNA testing — from its various uses and benefits, to its limitations and potential dangers. The special begins with the topic of forensic testing in criminal trials, and the role it has played in some notable New Zealand cases, like those of Scott Watson, Malcolm Rewa and Teresa Cormack. Featuring a wide array of viewpoints, the doco also features discussion of paternity tests, diagnosing medical disorders and the future of biotechnology. Director Kate Peacocke juggles explaining the science with exploring the human impact.

Some politicians and police would like all New Zealanders to have their DNA on a national database, but civil libertarians would debate that ... if all of us have our DNA available to be matched to a crime scene sample, could it lead to innocent people being jailed?
– Narrator Joel Tobeck, near the end of this documentary