A team of intrepid biologists from the University of Idaho travels to the Galápagos Islands to discover the key to coexistence and solve the Earth's biodiversity crisis. But they aren't studying the iconic tortoises or blue-footed boobies on this storied archipelago—they are Snail Hunters, studying a more unlikely critter in the crucible of evolution.
This beautiful film on this breathtakingly unique island in the Pacific features an entertaining and mind-expanding one-of-a-kind perspective on scientific discovery.
A feature documentary from Bedrock Film Works, supported by the University of Idaho, that captures the thrill of discovery and the landscapes of the Galápagos with the story of three researchers as unlikely travel partners, as they explore, discover, and overcome obstacles.
Meet the Snail Hunters, renowned researchers sharing a one-of-a-kind perspective and their love of scientific discovery.
Idaho Film Tour
All screenings are followed by a Q&A with scientists and are free and open to the public.
- April 2, 7 p.m.
Bennion Student Union Building,
Idaho Falls - April 26, 4 p.m.
Red Carpet Premiere, Kino Short Film Festival, Kenworthy Theatre,
Moscow, Idaho. Filmmaker present for Q&A! - June 12, dusk
Theophilus Tower Lawn, Screen on the Green,
University of Idaho (tentative)
Picture this: On a remote island in the Pacific, researchers flip rocks and logs under the equatorial sun, their excitement echoing across volcanic landscapes. Among iguanas and penguins, they spend the day searching through the underbrush for snails. Every now and then we hear sounds of joy about what they discover, and their pure excitement is palpable.
These are snail hunters on the hunt to gain insights into the evolution of life on Earth, and at the same time find new ways to communicate those discoveries. The island is the Galápagos; the expedition is a collaboration of scholars and a labor of love; and the research will describe rules of biodiversity that govern how new species form and coexist with one another. The project has far-reaching implications for science, and U of I is leading the discovery.
Christine Parent
Christine Parent is an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Idaho College of Science. Christine is known in the Galápagos Islands as the “caracolera”—the “snail hunter.” With 20 years of research on Galápagos snails, Christine has discovered and described the most diverse group of species in an island system famous for evolution—snails. When not in the field capturing elusive and undiscovered snails of all sorts, Christine supports a large group of student collaborators in research and education in the Parent Lab at the University of Idaho, and wears her title as The Caracolera with pride.
Luke Harmon
Luke Harmon is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Idaho College of Science. His research involves reconstructing and interpreting the tree of life, the branching relationships that trace all living things back to a common ancestor. He gives interesting workshops and talks with titles such as “Why is life on Earth so boring?” and has published influential research papers (think mathematical equations and statistics) in his pursuit of answers. His work is accessible, and his students benefit from his firsthand experiences and stories he weaves into his lectures. He is also a very likable guy.
Brant Miller
Brant Miller is a professor in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at the University of Idaho. Prior to coming to U of I, he was an eighth-grade science teacher. His work explores how local and remote contexts support students and teachers as they discover our world through authentic experiences. He’s led education and outreach initiatives in the Galápagos Islands, the Arctic, Chile, and throughout the United States, and he takes the information back to his U of I students and teaches them how to use adventure learning to teach science.
Jim Aikman (Director)
Jim has been making award winning documentaries for over twenty years, combining a lifetime of adventure with a formal education in storytelling to craft films about natural history, science and social justice.
Alisa Geiser
Storytelling is Alisa's superpower, and creating a more just and loving society is her motivation. She takes on projects, partners and clients that are caring for this world now and into the future.
Dominic Gill (Cinematographer)
A biologist turned filmmaker, Dominic partnered with his wife, Nadia Gill, to open Encompass Films where he has directed and shot over 20 digital shorts for companies like Patagonia and Red Bull.
Learn more about:
U of I College of Science, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences and research
College of Science Research College of EHHS