I'M NOT A ROBOT

In a parallel present where conscious robots are illegal, “I'm Not a Robot” takes us on a journey of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. Maria and Diego's story begins with an unlikely encounter through a dubious dating app, leading to an intense passion that they have never experienced before. However, as they delve deeper into their relationship, Maria's secrets are revealed, leaving Diego with a challenging decision to make. Will he follow his heart, or will he succumb to societal pressure and betray the love of his life? “I'm Not a Robot” explores the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of societal norms in this thrilling and emotionally-charged film.

  • Alexis J. Estevez
    Director
  • Alexis J. Estevez
    Writer
  • Alexis J. Estevez
    Producer
  • Shadia Martin
    Key Cast
    "Maria"
  • Christian Prentice
    Key Cast
    "Diego"
  • FoxCee West
    Key Cast
    "President Rumpt"
  • Mark Mutafian
    Supporting
  • Jon Hall
    Supporting
  • Nicole Tomassini
    Supporting
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi, Romance, Drama
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 29 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 12, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    600 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    4K Ultra HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Alexis J. Estevez

Alexis J. Estevez was born on April 29 in Brooklyn, New York. Always creative, he loved drawing and even illustrated his own comic books as a teenager. After high school, Estevez attended Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, where he fell in love with filmmaking during a class video assignment. He moved back to New York City, where he directed several short films and his first feature, “Animus.”

Estevez later directed short-form content for Comedy Central and 20th Century Fox. After returning to Los Angeles, he won several film festival awards for his dark comedy, “Harvard Court.” In addition to directing for NBCUniversal and Outdoor Channel, Estevez produced and edited “Dead Meat Walking: A Zombie Walk Documentary,” featuring Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead” and horror legend Tom Savini.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

“I'm Not a Robot” originated from a thought-provoking inquiry: what if conscious robots were treated like undocumented immigrants in America today? The question has culminated in a culturally pertinent film, highlighting the relationship between immigration and modern technology.

This film is a product of my personal experiences. As a first-generation American filmmaker with parents who emigrated from the Dominican Republic, I know what it feels like to be caught in between worlds, yearning for a sense of belonging. My upbringing during the shift from analog to digital also contributes to my unique perspective on technology, modern romance, and current immigration policies.

Science fiction is a passion of mine, as it can raise questions about the essence of humanity. Through well-crafted narratives, I aim to remind audiences to treat each other with compassion across borders. My cinematic goals are to refine my storytelling skills and experiment with innovative techniques while conveying universal truths. My influences for “I'm Not a Robot” include masterfully executed television shows such as “The Twilight Zone,” “Black Mirror,” and “Humans.” The films of Yasujirō Ozu, featuring themes of love and family, also inspired my approach to this project, utilizing static, character POV shots.

Moreover, the technical aspects of this film are what make it unique. Filming on an iPhone with the FiLMiC Pro app in 4K during the holidays in Los Angeles, I used Christmas as a backdrop for a love story recorded on a common digital device, demonstrating the intimate connection technology has with us.

“I'm Not a Robot” was a labor of love, made with only two lead actors, my wife and me. My hope is that audiences will enjoy the journey to a parallel world, strikingly similar to our own.

Alexis J. Estevez
Los Angeles, California