DEVELOPMENT: THE INTELLIGENCE OF PLANTS

DIRECTOR

PRODUCER

DURATION

VERSIONS

FORMAT

Fabio Toncelli

SD Cinematografica

52'

HD

We have always searched for new forms of intelligent life in the universe, driven by the hope of discovering that we are not alone in the apparently infinite time and space of the cosmos. But can we be sure that if this long-awaited encounter ever occurs, we humans will be able to recognise an intelligent life form? The fundamental and rather ironic question is: do we really understand what intelligence is?
For the first time, this documentary tells the story of the extraordinary scientific research project that could revolutionise the way we look at the world around us. Perhaps we don't need to explore the far reaches of the galaxy to discover other forms of intelligent life. These “aliens” live in a kind of parallel world. And do you know what the most embarrassing part is? They've been here for quite a while, several millions of years before us! So, what do you say:do you want to meet these beings? Do you want to cross the threshold that separates us from this mysterious dimension?
- Ultra-modern microchips capable of revealing the tiniest electrical signals within roots in search of the electroencephalogram of a plant;
- Spectacular high altitude parabolic flights on a giant European Space Agency Airbus to study the how plants react to a lack of gravity.
- The first moments in the life of a cybernetic “plantoid”,an ingenious robot plant designed to colonise space;
- The very latest electron microscope used in a “Fantastic Journey” to follow the exchange of chemical substances within plant cells;
- The administration of substances active at the human neuron level to test similar reactions in plants;
- The proof that plants can do two things that we believed only animals were capable of:remember and rest.