TechnocalypsFrank Theys
Are we prepared for dealing with the prospect that humankind, as we know it, is not the end of evolution? Technocalyps is an intriguing three-part documentary on the notion of Transhumanism by Belgian visual artist and filmmaker Frank Theys. The latest findings in genetics, robotics, artificial intelligence, bionics and nanotechnology appear in the media every day, but with no analysis of what seems to be their common aim: exceeding human limitations and creating higher, transhuman forms of life. Technocalyps presents a thorough and critical enquiry into the scientific, ethical and metaphysical dimensions of technological development. The film includes interviews by top scientists and thinkers on the subject worldwide, such as Marvin Minsky, Ray Kurzweil, Terence McKenna, Hans Moravec, Bruce Sterling, Robert Anton Wilson, David Noble, Margaret Wertheim, the Dalai Lama and many others. Part 1: Transhuman Leading scientists from the fields of genetics, artificial intelligence, brain research and nanotechnology explain and reflect upon their research. Their prognoses for the near future all share one common view: we are now on the verge of a transhuman era, faced with the options to either improve or to surpass humankind as we currently know it. Part 2: Preparing for the Singularity Advocates and opponents of a transhuman future are weighed against each other. Prognoses are made about when we can expect this transhuman revolution, and how people are preparing for it already now. Part 3: The Digital Messiah This part covers the metaphysical consequences of the new technological revolution. On the one hand scientists start to use metaphysical concepts to describe the impact of their research and a surprisingly large number of scientific projects is inspired by religious aspirations. On the other hand more and more theologians from various religious or spiritual orientation are getting interested in these aspirations of new technology, making the debate inextricably complex.
Info
Directed by Frank Theys
België
2006 150 min.
Engels
Subtitles: Dutch, French
Programme
Belgian selection
credits
Director
Frank Theys
Script
Frank Theys
Production company
Votnik
Cinematography
Phyllis Digneffe, Rian Koopman, Chris Renson
Music
Francisco López
Contact info
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(beschikbaar vanaf 20.03)