"How to Be Human", sci-fi drama short film, Bruno Centofanti, 2017, United Kingdom


Sci-fi short film “How To Be Human”

Nov 21, 2019

If you were forced to flee your own war-ridden country, would you sacrifice what makes you human to survive? "How to be Human" by Bruno Centofanti

More About How To Be Human:
In a world where artificial intelligence has dismantled the human contribution, Adelphe (Scottish BAFTA-winner, Sophie Kennedy Clark) has to help her sister Kimi (Louise Salter) to lose her humanity. Moreover, Kimi has to forget how to be human in order to fully disguise herself as an AI and survive in the only liveable place, “Cold City”. As they embark on this crossing, Kimi is forced to confront situations that put her sister, and her manufactured intuition, to the test. We learn through this unique perspective as we watch the two sisters pursue safety and refuge, made possible by the help and support of Maria (Les Misérables, Tony-award winner, Frances Ruffelle). In a world where the migration of displaced people is so present, this story reminds us of how being born in the right place and the right time can so often lead us to take our freedom and basic rights for granted.

Filmmaker's Statement:
As a highly passionate director and producer, I love to discover and tell stories. Storytelling is very much what drives me. My niche is in finding the surprising truth in human stories, to inspire people and to put them in touch with their humanity. I’ve been privileged as a film director to work with a wide and diverse spectrum of artists and subjects. I’ve traveled the world, freely immersing myself in societies, breaking barriers of class and culture. Being the grandson of a Jewish immigrant who buried her past in order to survive and only discovering my own roots later in life, the idea of telling the story of a young girl who needs to hide her identity in order to survive, feels personal, powerful and inspiring to me.

How to be Human is a visually compelling story that has many parallels with society today. It shows a dystopian society where humans have been superseded by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the survival of human identity relies on the dangerous crossing to an uncertain future. The Crossing is a pilgrimage where Kimi is forced to leave behind her memories, her experiences and her identity; in the hope that on the other side, things will be better. Will the crossing save her? Has Human freedom and love been lost forever? This is a vivid and relevant story for our times. In a world where the migration of displaced people is so present, this story reminds us of how being born in the right place and the right time can so often lead us to take our freedom and basic rights for granted. Intimate, poetic and life affirming, this isn’t just an incredible story of determination against all odds; we are exploring the precious and delicate nature of human existence and the values that make us who we are. Our aim is to provoke in the audience a great empathy for others and help to dissolve the refugee stigma.
 
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