Becoming Human
“Nova examines the early ancestors of mankind and examines why Homo sapiens won out over Neanderthals in the evolutionary race.”
Synopsis
NOVA's groundbreaking investigation explores how new discoveries are transforming views of our earliest ancestors. Becoming Human explores the origins of us -where modern humans and our capacities for art, invention, and survival came from, and how our social history led to 3-5% of our genetic heritage being Neanderthal. Featuring interviews with world-renowned scientists, footage shot in the trenches as fossils were unearthed, and stunning computer-generated animation, Becoming Human brings early hominids to life, examining how they lived and how we became the creative and adaptable modern humans of today. In gripping forensic detail, we meet: Selam, the amazingly complete remains of a 3 million year-old child, packed with clues to why we split from the apes, came down from the trees, and started walking upright; Turkana Boy -a tantalizing fossil of Homo erectus, the first ancestor to leave Africa and colonize the globe. What led to this first great African exodus?
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Graham Townsley
- Original Title
- Becoming Human
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Production Studios
- NOVA
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Graham Townsley
Department Leadership Roster
Graham Townsley
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Becoming Human.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming Human
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Becoming Human about?
NOVA's groundbreaking investigation explores how new discoveries are transforming views of our earliest ancestors. Becoming Human explores the origins of us -where modern humans and our capacities for art, invention, and survival came from, and how our social history led to 3-5% of our genetic heritage being Neanderthal. Featuring interviews with world-renowned scientists, footage shot in the trenches as fossils were unearthed, and stunning computer-generated animation, Becoming Human brings early hominids to life, examining how they lived and how we became the creative and adaptable modern humans of today. In gripping forensic detail, we meet: Selam, the amazingly complete remains of a 3 million year-old child, packed with clues to why we split from the apes, came down from the trees, and started walking upright; Turkana Boy -a tantalizing fossil of Homo erectus, the first ancestor to leave Africa and colonize the globe. What led to this first great African exodus?
Who directed Becoming Human?
Becoming Human was directed by Graham Townsley.
Who stars in Becoming Human?
The principal cast of Becoming Human includes Juan Luis Arsuaga, Dominique Bonjean.
When was Becoming Human released and how long is it?
Becoming Human was released in 2009 with a total runtime of 2h 20m.