R&A Shorts: Homo Technologicus

Commenting on the ever-changing and evolving relationship between humans and technology, the films in this screening particularly explore the possibility of creating connections.

Can You Hear Me? is a heartwarming portrayal of a mother, daughter, and the (technological) gap between generations. Nastia, who has lived far away from home for years, patiently teaches her mother how to use various computer programs. Can a video call bridge the distance created by years and miles?

World at Stake is the latest work of the Austrian collective Total Refusal, in which a group specialising in the sly manipulation of video game material turns its attention this time to sports games. Footage from titles such as FIFA 23, PGA Tour 2K21 and DiRT Rally 2.0 illustrates commentary on the impact individuals and communities can have. In the end, the whole world is at play.

Phoenix is a Black Mirror-esque story about a group of friends spending Christmas at a cabin. One member of the group died a year earlier, and they had all agreed not to use the PHOENIX device, which allows contact with the deceased. The agreement has held—until now.

The Oasis I Deserve is an eye-opening documentary about the relationship between humans and the AI chatbot Replika. Promising 24/7 conversation and care, the chatbot is used to fulfil various needs: it can be a friend, a romantic partner, or a therapist. Confused about its own place in the world, the chatbot is simply trying to learn as much as possible about its conversational partner, but in doing so it also reveals something profoundly stark about humanity.

Annu Suvanto (translated by Pauliina Jännes)