Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp, Jim Allison, and the Power of Science on Screen

Last October, the James P. Allison Institute at MD Anderson Cancer Center hosted the premiere of Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution, a film that doesn’t just tell a story, but celebrates the relentless curiosity and transformative impact of science. It was such a treat to have both subjects of previous films on one stage answering thoughtful questions from the moderator, Alice Park of TIME Magazine.

A Director’s Vision: Scientists as Heroes

Bill Haney, the filmmaker behind both Cracking the Code and Jim Allison: Breakthrough (about Jim Allison’s groundbreaking work in immunotherapy), has a knack for spotlighting the unsung heroes of science. As Park noted during the post-screening discussion, Haney’s goal is to show how science changes lives—often in ways we don’t fully appreciate. Both films do just that, weaving personal journeys with scientific milestones, making the lab feel as dramatic as any blockbuster.

Jim Allison admitted he was initially “shocked and worried” when Haney approached him. “I thought he was going to hang around and watch us for a while—which he did,” Jim laughed, as did everyone else. But what started as apprehension turned into friendship, and ultimately, a chance to reflect on a career that has reshaped cancer treatment.

Phil Sharp, initially thought it would be like, sort of like undressing in public." But ultimately, he saw the film as an opportunity to communicate the excitement and perseverance inherent in scientific discovery. “I thought it might be useful,” he said. “And I’m glad I did.” The film captures not just the “Eureka!” moments, but the grit, like Phil’s work on RNA splicing, a discovery that no one predicted, or Jim’s decades-long fight to convince the world that the immune system could be harnessed to fight cancer.

The Power of Reflection

Both scientists spoke about how the film allowed them to see their careers in a new light. Jim was struck by how his journey once seemed like a confusing series of decisions, now made sense in hindsight. Phil, was moved by the film’s portrayal of his mentor, the late David Baltimore, and the broader impact of federal initiatives like the War on Cancer. “Worlds changed,” Phil reflected. “And just how those programs helped advance education and other things was really very, very important.”

Science, Funding, and the Future

The conversation turned serious when discussing the state of scientific funding. Jim and Phil both credited NIH support as the backbone of their work. “Without NIH, it wouldn’t have happened,” Jim said bluntly. Phil added that while private funding drives innovation in biotech, foundational discoveries, such as those that led to mRNA vaccines, originate from public investment. “Everything done in biotechnology now is a product of the investment in NIH,” he noted.

Yet both expressed serious concern about today’s funding climate. “We’re not looking for the stars anymore,” Jim warned. “We’re burying our heads in the sand.”

Curiosity and the Role of AI

The evening ended on a forward-looking note. When asked about AI’s potential to accelerate drug discovery, Jim and Phil were optimistic but pragmatic. AI won’t replace scientists, but it will help them sift through vast amounts of data, integrate insights, and even re-engineer medicine. Phil envisioned AI-supported clinicians making better diagnoses and improving healthcare accessibility. Jim saw it as a tool to avoid redundant research. “It gives us a way not to spend a lot of time doing research that’s already been done,” he said.

A Final Thought

As the Q&A wrapped up, Alice Park shared a touching anecdote: During a grueling five-hour filming session, Phil skipped lunch to ask Bill Haney for a lesson on AI. It’s a perfect snapshot of the curiosity that defines both men—and the spirit of the film.

So, what’s next? If Phil had a blank check, he’d invest in fusion energy. “It’s ridiculous what we’re doing in this country by not investing in a national program to make fusion work,” he said. “We need it, and we need it soon.”

For now, though, we have Cracking the Code—a reminder that science isn’t just about data or discoveries. It’s about people, perseverance, and the occasional filmmaker who believes scientists deserve the spotlight.

Have you seen Breakthrough or Cracking the Code? What’s your take on how stories like these can inspire the next generation of scientists?