Matthew Chapman is a multifaceted individual with a strong background in journalism, screenwriting, and direction. His latest film, "The Ledge," is a thought-provoking drama that explores the intellectual and personal feud between an atheist and an evangelical Christian.
Born into a family with a rich academic heritage, Chapman's maternal grandmother was Charles Darwin's great-great-granddaughter. His father, Cecil Chapman, was the son of Sydney Chapman, a renowned physicist and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of the ozone layer.
Chapman has made a significant impact in the creation-evolution controversy in the US, particularly in the case of Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District. He has written extensively on the topic and has had his articles published in Harper's magazine.
As a filmmaker, Chapman has written and directed six films, and has written numerous screenplays. He is also the author of two books, "Trials Of The Monkey - An Accidental Memoir" and "40 Days and 40 Nights - Darwin, Intelligent Design, God, OxyContin, and Other Oddities on Trial in Pennsylvania."
Chapman is married to documentary film producer Denise Dummont, and they have a daughter, Anna Bella Charles Darwin Teixeira Chapman, and a stepson, Diogo Marzo.
In addition to his work in film and writing, Chapman is also the founder of Science Debate 2008, an organization that aims to promote science and technology discussions in public life. The organization was co-founded by several prominent figures in the science community, including Shawn Lawrence Otto, Chris Mooney, Sheril Kirshenbaum, Lawrence Krauss, and Austin Dacey.
Science Debate 2008 successfully pressured the presidential candidates to engage in a debate on science and technology issues, and although the candidates did not agree to the proposed debates, they did participate in an online written version. The organization continues to advocate for more discussion of science in public life and is expanding into education and international initiatives.
Matthew Chapman currently resides in New York and remains the President of Science Debate.
