The Human Family Tree

On the most diverse street in the most diverse city in the most diverse country in the world, a team of National Geographic scientists swab the cheeks of some 200 random New Yorkers–hoping to reveal clues about our ancestral footprints and prove we are all cousins in the “family of man.”

Join geneticist Spencer Wells and a team from National Geographic’s Genographic Project as they trace the human journey through time, from our origins in the heart of Africa to the ends of the world. Cutting edge science, coupled with a cast of New Yorkers–each with their own unique genetic history–helps paint a picture of these amazing journeys. The Human Family Tree answers some of humanity’s most burning questions–who we are and where we come from–and forces us to change how we think not only about our relationships with our neighbors, but ourselves.

Ava says: ” The movie is a documentary about one woman in Africa a long time ago. Say there where 2,ooo women in Africa and only 1 women survived and her kids had kids and so on and so on. I think that the movie was amazing. The only thing is, I knew it could just be a little clearer, but other wise it was awesome. 4.5 stars”

Jack Says: “I thought the movie was very interesting. It was very confusing at some points but at the end I got most of it. The fact that we all are related to one ancient man in Africa is very cool. I give the movie 4 stars.”

Payton Says: “The documentary ‘The Human Family Tree’ was a very interesting film. Although they skimped a bit on the part about the science behind how we are exactly related to each other. It was clear to me how we are all related to the one man in Africa however. I think that this film actually proves racism is wrong because we are all related. So, there really is no such thing as race. I would rate this movie 2 stars.”

Vanessa Says: “This documentary is a bit slick for my taste, but it has good intentions and important information to share.  I would have preferred it if they explained the science more than they did.  I came away learning little more than I already knew, although it was neat to see the amazing human migration with cool graphics.  It has been called a stunt by some, but I disagree.  A meaty documentary on human genetics this is not, but an interesting sociological experiment and a great middle school science lesson it certainly is.  This month we are studying the ancient Americas and the theories as to how they were populated.  This documentary was a nice compliment to our studies. My favorite part, however, was that the spot they chose to film the documentary, because of it’s unparalleled diversity, was a street fair in Queens, New York.  I give this movie 2.5 stars.”