| Anthropology
Demystified
From time to time we hear about the discovery of
a mummified body or a pile of bones. This is met with
great fanfare and excitement, as the remnants of the
past can usually provide us with a wealth of information
about life in ancient civilizations.
Anthropologists are the specialists whose job it
is to analyze clues from gory findings such as these.
They study all areas of human life, picking up clues
about how people lived, their culture, opinions, lifestyle
and interaction with their environment.
Anthropologists look at the bigger picture too; how
humans have evolved and changes in society; linking
these factors to compare human existence in the past
with life today. Paleopathology is a specialism within
anthropology. It is the study of ancient diseases
in humans and animals. It uses modern science to unlock
ancient secrets, for example, undertaking DNA analyses.
The findings of these specialist studies are interesting
and important. They can sometimes provide key indicators
from the past that can inform our thinking on the
issues and challenges of the present day. As you can
imagine this is quite some task!
Bringing Anthropology onto the Screen
Israel is full of archaeological and anthropological
treasures; some of them revealed but many yet to be
discovered. At Biblical Productions we are keen to
develop ideas for future film productions and are
regularly in touch with the Israel Antiquities Authority,
who have been wonderfully supportive on a number of
our productions in Israel; offering advice and supplying
experts and information to help shoots run smoothly.
Biblical Productions spoke to Joe Zias from the Israel
Antiquities Authority in Jerusalem. We learned so
much about the fields of anthropology and Paleopathology
and discussed a future film production he is planning.
Discoveries and Initial Questions
Joe Zias explained that human skeletal remains can
be uncovered in any number of ways; some may be unearthed
at archaeological excavations and are actively being
sought; others may be recovered accidentally during
general construction or road works; in these cases
the findings are an unexpected and shocking discovery.
The recovery of the mummified bodies of ancient Egyptian
Pharaohs over one hundred years ago, along with the
recently discovered ‘Ice Man of Europe’,
thrilled the world. They triggered a mass of interest
and a constant stream of anthropological questions;
What did they die of? What were the diseases they
struggled against thousands of years ago? What can
humankind learn today by studying the remains of those
whom have preceded us?
Paleopathology as a Topic
While there have been some documentaries dealing
with specific aspects of anthropology, until now no-one
has produced a comprehensive documentary on Paleopathology
as a specialism.
Spanning over two decades of scientific research
and field work, the Israel Antiquities Authority,
have selected some of their most interesting discoveries
as material for a one hour documentary. The planned
documentary will illustrate the various methodologies
employed by the paleopathologist; from simple descriptive
techniques to the more sophisticated use of DNA analysis.
The planned documentary will demonstrate how paleopathology
can address a wide range of questions far beyond the
medical aspects of life. Information gleaned from
paleopathologists can give us a range of details about
the social and theological elements of humankind.
Medical Connections Between the Past, Present and
Future
Joe Zias envisages the documentary as exploring how
many of the disease processes that afflict humankind
today have plagued us for millennia. As diseases spread
in previous civilizations, a range of creative (if
often futile) responses were developed to deal with
the symptoms. Once an effective method of coping with
a disease was discovered, it was often used for thousands
of years. The film will examine the cures of the past
and look at the knowledge we have gained from our
ancestors. It will also consider the ways this knowledge
has influenced today’s methods for fighting
disease, as well as how they may inform the medical
interventions of the future.
An Interesting Documentary
Although the subjects of anthropology and paleopathology
initially sound a little dry and academic, Joe Zias
really inspired us with his ideas and enthusiasm.
Here at Biblical Productions we think his ideas and
drive will result in an exceptional production; informing,
entertaining and educating the audience.
Filming such a production in Israel will provide
the documentary with a range of interesting and historic
settings that complement the topic perfectly.
Filming in Israel
Biblical Productions is a leading company in the field
of production services, based in Israel. We cover
all areas of film and television production, including
documentaries, feature films, commercials, music videos
and promotional films.
Biblical Productions guides you during your shoot
in Israel - from the pre-production planning to the
post-production wrap. We arrange professional crews,
fixers, permits, HD equipment rental, interviews,
location scouting and more.
Biblical Productions also boasts a large collection
of high-quality archival footage, making it a one-stop
shop for all your production services in Israel. Please
view our client list
‘Biblical Productions: The number once choice
for production services in Israel.'
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