Private Project

Human Condition

In a future where humans and AI’s live amongst each other, people have adopted a humanistic, back-to-nature ideology. Over the course of a dinner party, we follow a fair skinned AI grapple with her perception of these threats, a growing paranoia, and the concept of power in this new cultural landscape.

  • Tayler Johnson
    Director
  • Tayler Johnson
    Writer
  • Tayler Johnson
    Producer
  • Gabrielle Mandel
    Producer
  • Odette Galbally
    Key Cast
    "MAURA"
  • WOLFE
    Key Cast
    "MAX"
  • Daniel Osahon
    Key Cast
    "TYLER"
  • (rebeca) Rad
    Key Cast
    "CHRISTINE"
  • Ladin Awad
    Key Cast
    "JAMIE"
  • Charlotte Dupre
    Cinematographer
  • Selvaggia Messi
    Production Designer
  • Helen Franco
    Costume Designer
  • Grason Caldwell
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi, Drama
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 36 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 20, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    12,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Super 16mm
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Tayler Johnson

TAYLER EVAN JOHNSON is a LA based filmmaker, curious about the dynamics of human nature, and motivated by an effort to understand the world through multiple perspectives. In her work, she seeks to meld genres in innovative ways, and is primarily interested in representations of identity and power dynamics.

Tayler graduated with a B.A. in History, Literature, and Film (American Studies) from Columbia University in 2014. She has worked with director Kahlil Joseph (Lemonade, m.A.A.d), Oscar nominated producer, Stacey Sher (Pulp Fiction, Erin Brockovich), and has produced on several short films, including Control/Option/Escape for AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women.

Tayler is currently living in Rio De Janeiro, developing a dark mythical drama series called, SWEETGRASS, steeped in African mythology & folklore.

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Director Statement

In this film, I’m looking to explore the politics of everyday life. I was inspired to tell this story after passing through the Atlanta airport one day. I overheard (or possibly imagined) an advertisement over the speakers: “and remember Atlanta, if it doesn’t have a heart, it’s just a robot.” This struck me — not only because it was creepy — but because it seems that as humans, we often hate or are fearful of the very things we invent…from robots to the concept of race.

After hearing this advertisement, promoting the value humans over AI technology, I wondered, will this cycle of power as subjugation continue, no matter what decade or future we’re in? Is it self-preservation? Will we always single out an “other”? Is it just human nature?

If the cycles continue, will our racial dynamics one day be reversed too? In the media, we often hear conversations about minorities soon to be the majority. Trump’s America is clearly pushing back hard. Is their power truly being taken or are they, for the first time, experiencing the paranoia that often plagues minorities on a daily basis?

Human Condition is a meditation on a few of these themes and questions. It’s not black and white, there is no right or wrong — my hope and intention is to spark engaging conversation and debate.

Inclusion Statement: 80% of the crew & cast were women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+. We strive to share the unique visions and voices of artists from underrepresented backgrounds.