MINDFRAME

Mindframe was born from my fascination with the growing role of technology in our most intimate spaces. The idea of an AI acting as a therapist felt both promising and unsettling—a perfect reflection of our complex relationship with innovation. In Ireland, the mental health care system is often overwhelmed, with many people facing long waits for the support they urgently need. This gap in care made the idea of an AI therapist especially compelling: one that doesn’t get tired, doesn’t carry bias, and has the ability to analyze and probe deeper, revealing the truths we often hide from ourselves.

For me, this story is deeply personal: it explores themes of grief, guilt, and the need for human connection in a world that increasingly prioritizes convenience over authenticity. In a society where emotional support can feel elusive, the concept of turning to a machine for therapy raises crucial ethical questions about trust, vulnerability, and the boundaries of artificial empathy.

We often hide from ourselves through unconscious actions and patterns—patterns that are sometimes most visible in our online behavior. Our social media profiles, browsing habits, and online activity can reveal more about us than we realize. Mindframe examines how these digital footprints, the things we do subconsciously, can surface in unexpected ways and force us to confront the uncomfortable truths we bury. It raises the question: when we outsource our emotions to machines, how much of our true selves are we willing to reveal?

In bringing Mindframe to life, I not only explored these concepts narratively but also experimented with AI technology as part of the creative process. To create the voices for Mindframe itself and the father’s voicemail, I recorded the lines myself and used AI to transform my voice. This approach allowed me to craft unique vocal identities that captured the detached precision of an AI therapist and the emotional resonance of a personal message from the protagonist's father. By integrating AI into the production, I aimed to blur the line between human and machine both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Through Mindframe, I wanted to delve into the psychological toll of suppressing emotions and the ethical implications of surrendering our vulnerabilities to machines. My goal was to create a tense, emotionally charged narrative that forces viewers to confront their own boundaries with technology and self-reflection, while highlighting the urgent need for accessible and compassionate mental health care.

As a first-time filmmaker, Mindframe represents my passion for storytelling that blends human emotion with speculative ideas. I hope it resonates with audiences, sparks conversation about the future of mental health care, and raises awareness about the importance of both technological advancements and the need for deeper human connection.