Nobel winner’s journey from campus to cure: ‘Cracking the Code’ film coming to Kentucky Theatre
The University of Kentucky community is invited to the documentary film premiere of “Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp & the Biotech Revolution” 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Kentucky Theatre, with a post-screening conversation on UK biotech research, innovation and commercialization.
“Cracking the Code,” directed by Bill Haney and narrated by Mark Ruffalo, chronicles the life of Nobel laureate Phil Sharp, from his humble beginnings on a Kentucky farm to his groundbreaking discovery of RNA splicing at MIT, a finding that launched the entire biotechnology industry.
Sharp’s story is a powerful lesson in perseverance and the real-world impact of basic science. Facing challenges like dyslexia and coming from a family with no formal education, his determination led him to the pinnacle of research.
Sharp’s 1977 groundbreaking discovery of RNA splicing rewrote the rules of molecular biology and ignited a life-saving scientific revolution, laying the foundation for an industry that has become a cornerstone of global innovation and economic growth — and transformed the health of billions of patients worldwide.
“This is a great opportunity for our research and scientific community at UK to gather and immerse in the process of innovation to impact,” said Ian McClure, J.D., vice president for innovation, UK HealthCare and associate vice president for research, innovation and economic impact. “The story of Phil Sharp, a Nobel laureate from right here in Kentucky, is a great showcase of the challenges and opportunities that this process can behold. Our entire research community endeavors to make discoveries and improve the health and lives of Kentuckians, and this documentary details what that looks like. Our post-screening panelists will then share their incredible journeys as research scientists translating discoveries for impact. Come join us.”
The 96-minute film screening will be followed by a panel conversation with researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs from UK. McClure will moderate the panel.
Panelists include:
- Luke H. Bradley, Ph.D., professor and alumni chair, neuroscience, UK College of Medicine; Lewis Honors College faculty member; and CEO and co-founder of Avast Therapeutics
- Mark T. W. Ebbert, Ph.D., Associate Professor, UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and Internal Medicine, UK College of Medicine
- Chelsea Ex-Lubeskie, R&D partnerships manager, UK College of Medicine and UK HealthCare; UK Innovate
- Mary Sheppard, M.D., assistant professor of family and community medicine, UK College of Medicine; and co-associate director of Saha Aortic Center
About the filmmakers
Bill Haney, director, is an award-winning filmmaker, inventor and entrepreneur. His documentary accolades include the Gabriel Prize, a Silver Hugo and a Pare Lorentz Award. His portfolio as a filmmaker includes award-winning documentaries on socially important subjects such as cancer research, coal mining and worker exploitation.
Carina Chavda, producer, is an award-winning producer whose work spans social impact documentaries, sports television and narrative shorts. Her documentaries and short films have screened at several prominent international film festivals.
Maura M. Haney, executive producer, is a writer, musician and entrepreneur. She is co-founder of Skyhawk Therapeutics and a founding employee of Dragonfly Therapeutics. She is a producer at Uncommon Productions, helping develop several documentary films. Haney is the author of “The Poisoner,” a play inspired by the Flint Water Crisis.
