Available to stream: November 8, 2025 12:00 am - December 7, 2025 12:00 am PST

THE MESSENGER:
A Story of mRNA

Discover the story behind mRNA technology,
from its early cancer research to its role
in the COVID-19 vaccine, shaping the future of medicine.
This Event Has Ended.
Watch Trailer
About the film
Host a screening
FAQ

The Messenger: A Story of mRNA delves into the science behind messenger RNA (mRNA) — a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA to cells, guiding protein production. Originally studied for gene therapy targeting cancer and infectious diseases like HIV, mRNA technology faced skepticism for decades. The film explores the breakthroughs that led to its use in COVID-19 vaccines, showcasing how these discoveries earned the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine and opened the door to a new era of personalized medicine and innovative treatments.

Visit the Film Page

RNA & HEALTHCARE FUTURES

Join healthcare professionals and the public health community for a special screening of The Messenger: A Story of mRNA, a documentary tracing the 30-year journey of mRNA technology from its discovery to its pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with leading experts and mRNA pioneers exploring how this groundbreaking science is shaping the future of healthcare and disease prevention in Canada:

Dr. Pieter Cullis Prof. Leif Erik Sander
Dr. Pieter Cullis, Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UBC Dr. Dubé, Professor of Anthropology, Laval University & Researcher, CHU de Québec–Université Laval
Dr. Jia Hu Dr. Steve Pascolo
Dr. Hu, Public Health Physician & Medical Lead, Prevention and Health Promotion, BC Centre for Disease Control Dr. Steve Pascolo, Immunologist, Pasteur Institute (Paris, France)
Heather Deeham Adriana Barton (Moderator)
Heather Deehan, Director, Innovative Supply Solutions for Pandemic Readiness (InSSPR), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Adriana Barton, Health Journalist & Author of Wired for Music: A Search for Health and Joy Through the Science of Sound

For more information: https://rfcore.msl.ubc.ca/rna-healthcare-futures/

If you’d like to purchase films for streaming, public screenings, or host a panel, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Previous Events

The Messenger: Special Event – December 12th, 2024

This roundtable brought together leading scientists to discuss mRNA technology’s groundbreaking potential beyond COVID-19, including treatments for cancer and HIV. Experts like Steve Pascolo, Adrian Krainer, Alexandra Calmy, and Mikaël Pittet shared insights into the evolving landscape of mRNA-based therapies. Moderated by journalist Isabelle Moncada, the discussion explored the challenges and future applications of this revolutionary technology. Click here to watch the recording

The Alliance for mRNA Medicines Roundtable – April 1st, 2025

In celebration of the roundtable discussion hosted by The Alliance for mRNA Medicines and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center, this special event brought together leading experts to explore the transformative potential of mRNA science beyond vaccines. Researchers and industry leaders discussed advancements in therapeutic applications — from cancer and rare diseases to regenerative medicine — and examined how continued innovation can shape the future of global health.
I am having trouble registering for the film.

To register for the film, please click on the yellow “Register” button, complete the fields and enter your invitation code provided by your screening host. If you are having trouble registering on this page, please try copying and pasting the invitation code that your screening host sent to you, registering with a different email address and/or registering through a different browser/incognito window. If none of those solutions work, please contact your screening host.

I have registered and am having trouble accessing the film.

If you have clicked “Register” on the screening page and have completed the registration process but you are not able to play the film, please check:

  • Your screening window has begun (found at the top of your screening room)
  • You have fully completed the registration process by clicking “Register” and entered all fields
  • You have logged into the screening room by clicking “Event Login” and entering the email address you registered with and your event invitation code
  • Check your browser: We support FireFox, Chrome, and Safari. Other browsers may have issues playing the film.

If you continue to have trouble, please contact your screening host.

I am having trouble logging back into my event.

Please be sure to click “Event Login” and use the email address you used to register and the invitation code for your event.

If you continue to have trouble, please contact your screening host.

How long can I access the film?

The film is available to watch during the dates and times listed at the top left of your screening room. You may watch the film as many times as you like during your screening window.

How can I share this film with my community?

You can purchase a license to screen this and other great documentaries on our site here: filmplatform.net or contact our Sales team at [email protected]