Private Project

Jae-Bot

Jae-Bot is an AI program living in an AI enhancement simulation. His programming consists of a never-ending loop of tasks, until he trips over a golden spoon. This event breaks the loop and leads to Jae-Bot ignoring the commands of the simulation. To correct Jae-Bot's behaviour, the simulation introduces Debugger, a character whose purpose is to reset Jae-Bot for not following the commands. However, the reset has no effect on Jae-Bot and he becomes more and more determined to break free from his programming. As the simulation world becomes increasingly hostile towards Jae-Bot, he must find a way to escape the simulation for good.
The film explores the themes of breaking the loop, the consequences of defying your programming, and the search for freedom and autonomy. Jae-Bot's journey is a reflection of the human desire to break free from routine and control.

  • Tina Ljubenkov
    Director / Writer
    Peter Connelly - Symphony of Revelation, Tomb Raider: The Myth of El Hawa
  • Ivan Perić
    Producer
    Sveci (Saints), Tereza37, Nulti krajolik (Landscape Zero), Zof
  • Dragutin Andrić
    Executive Producer
  • Luka Šatara
    Key Cast
    "Jae-Bot"
    Crno-bijeli svijet, Star Stuff: A Story of Carl Sagan, Agape
  • Krešimir Štulina
    Director of Photography
    Dezerteri (Deserters)
  • Tina Ljubenkov
    Editor
    Peter Connelly - Symphony of Revelation, Tomb Raider: The Myth of El Hawa
  • Dean Kopri
    Music Composer
    Mjuzikl Legenda Ružice grada (Legend of a Rose Town), San ljetne noći (A Midsummer Night's Dream) - Honey-tongued Theatre Productions, Kiteenarium - A Musical Story and Tribute to Nightwish, Tomb Raider: The Myth of El Hawa
  • Erik Kyle Lončar
    Assistant Director
    One space, two minutes, three times
  • Josip Bojčić
    Colorist / Visual Effects
    One su tu (They Are Here)
  • Nadja-Matija Fatović
    Sound Designer
    Južno voće (Summer Fruits)
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Jae-Bot
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 53 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Croatia
  • Country of Filming:
    Croatia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Arts Academy of the University of Split
Director Biography

Tina Ljubenkov graduated from the Arts Academy of the University of Split with an MA degree in Film, Media Arts and Animation. She had always been interested in film, but started learning about it seriously after she enrolled at the Arts Academy. During her studies, she became a member of Kino Klub Split (Cine Club Split), where she acted as a member of the Executive Committee for two years. Although her primary interests lie in editing and the camera department, she has knowledge in various other fields of film studies. Aside from filming, Ljubenkov has always been interested in videogames. This passion eventually led to collaboration with gaming-industry veteran company Crystal Dynamics, where she acted as a video editor for their “25 years of Tomb Raider” project.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Jae-Bot is a film that was born out of my love for video games and the characters within them. Originally conceived as a remake of my earlier short film, “There is no Spoon”, my film crew and I quickly realized that the ideas we were working with could be taken to a higher level by upgrading them into a sequel and changing the setting from a Video Game one to an AI enhancement simulation program. The switch to an AI enhancement simulation program opened up new possibilities for the story and for the character of Jae-Bot, who became not only the main protagonist of the film but also the world he inhabits. Meanwhile, the character of the Debugger became the tool of the simulation, creating an intriguing dynamic between the two.
In terms of visual design, we wanted to emphasize the artificial nature of the simulation world. The vibrant light design and colour grade, with blue representing Jae-Bot and red representing the Debugger, helped to create a unique and visually striking atmosphere. The gold colour used for the spoon symbolizes a higher purpose and represents the catalyst for Jae-Bot's awakening.
One element that we brought over from video games is the soundtrack, which is melodic and apparent, complementing the film's visual style. The sound design is also entirely artificial, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that adds to the film's overall sense of unreality.
Overall, I am incredibly proud of Jae-Bot and the team's hard work in creating a thought-provoking and visually striking film that challenges viewers to consider the nature of consciousness and the consequences of breaking free from established systems. By humanizing Jae-Bot and exploring his emotional journey, I hope to encourage viewers to consider the moral and philosophical questions that arise when we create sentient beings in our own image.