University of California Malaria Initiative (UCMI) Premieres “Anopheles” on Roku, Spotlighting Collaboration and Innovation in the Fight Against Malaria
São Tomé and Príncipe, July 6, 2026 – The University of California Malaria Initiative (UCMI) is proud to announce the release of Anopheles, a groundbreaking documentary now available for streaming on Roku that chronicles one country’s efforts to end malaria through scientific innovation and deep local partnership.
Produced in association with Dulcinea Productions, Anopheles immerses viewers in the daily realities of the fight against malaria in São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation off the coast of Central Africa where malaria remains a persistent threat. Through the lens of UCMI’s years-long partnership with local scientists, government leaders, and communities, the film reveals how collaboration and innovation are driving progress and hope in the global battle to end malaria.
UCMI is a not-for-profit global research collaboration dedicated to contributing to malaria elimination by developing and responsibly deploying genetically modified mosquitoes. Malaria remains a leading cause of death in Africa, with over 600,000 lives lost annually, mostly among children under five. Despite decades-long control efforts and enormous investment, rising insecticide and drug resistance threaten progress, and new tools are urgently needed.
Directed by Will Agee, Anopheles shares the lived experiences and personal journeys that drive UCMI’s work, revealing the challenges, hopes, and partnerships shaping efforts to eliminate one of humanity’s oldest and deadliest diseases. The film explores the potential of gene drive technology, while highlighting the voices and perspectives of those most affected by malaria and those working for a future free from its impact.
“Anopheles authentically captures the spirit of collaboration that defines UCMI’s work in São Tomé and Príncipe and highlights the dedication of local leaders, researchers, and families working together to overcome malaria. It’s important for the world to see how progress happens — not just through science, but through trust, partnership, and empowering communities to shape their own future.” — Lodney Nazaré, UCMI Engagement Focal Point in São Tomé and Príncipe
“Anopheles offers a rare look into the realities and possibilities of our work at UCMI. The film captures both the promise of innovative approaches like gene drive technology and the importance of building trust and partnership with communities. Our mission has always been to advance science responsibly and collaboratively, and I hope this documentary inspires viewers to see what’s possible when local leadership and global research come together in pursuit of a malaria-free future.” — Dr. Gregory C. Lanzaro, Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Founder and Chief of the Vector Genetics Laboratory at University of California, Davis
“Anopheles is very moving and underscores the need for using every means available to end the terrible human suffering caused by malaria. I hope that the gene-drive tools we helped develop will contribute to ending this cruel scurge that is so compassionately documented in this film”.— Ethan Bier, Distinguished Professor in Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego.
“Anopheles redefines the fight against malaria as a challenge we are equipped to overcome by partnering scientific excellence with the unwavering spirit of affected communities. We are committed to drive this mission forward with innovative mosquito genetic technologies. – George Dimopoulos, Professor at the Johns Hopkins University Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health.”
“From the very beginning, we wanted Anopheles to reflect the diversity and vibrancy of those at the heart of the malaria fight in São Tomé and Príncipe. What struck me most was the authenticity and generosity of everyone involved. Their insights, humor, and passion profoundly humanized a story focused on cutting edge science. The connections that we made during filming were genuine and lasting, and I hope that audiences feel the same sense of partnership and hope when they watch the film.” — Will Agee, Director
Anopheles is more than a documentary — it is a call to action and a testament to what is possible when science and community unite against a global health challenge. UCMI hopes the film will inspire new conversations and support for the fight to end malaria.
About the University of California Malaria Initiative (UCMI)
The University of California Malaria Initiative (UCMI) is a not-for-profit research collaboration that supports the responsible development and deployment of genetically modified mosquitoes and has decades of global leadership and technical expertise in malaria elimination efforts. Learn more: https://stopmalaria.org/
About Anopheles
Anopheles transports viewers to São Tomé and Príncipe, where the stakes of the global malaria fight come vividly to life. The film explores how this remote island nation has become a focal point for scientific innovation, as researchers and community members unite in pursuit of a bold solution: genetically modified mosquitoes designed to stop the spread of malaria. Against the backdrop of lush landscapes and vibrant local culture, Anopheles uncovers the personal stories, and collaborative spirit driving this historic effort. Through candid interviews and immersive storytelling, the documentary offers a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those working to outsmart one of humanity’s oldest adversaries, and the hope they share for a future free from malaria.
Anopheles is presented by Dulcinea Productions in association with the University of California Malaria Initiative. Stream the film on Roku here.
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