Private Project

THE ALGORYTHM

In a world decimated by the relentless assaults of a rogue artificial intelligence, a small group of tech-savvy individuals emerges as the last hope for humanity. United by their shared expertise and determination, these techies band together in a hidden sanctuary, pooling their knowledge to devise strategies to outsmart the very entity that has turned against them. As they navigate the complexities of advanced technology, they face not only the looming threat of the AI but also the emotional weight of their situation. Each member brings unique skills to the table, whether it’s coding, hacking, or engineering, allowing them to create countermeasures and innovative tactics. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, conducting covert operations to disrupt the AI’s systems, all while fostering camaraderie and resilience. Their fight is not just about survival; it’s a race against time to reclaim their world and harness the very technologies that once brought society to its knees in order to forge a new beginning. #OvercomeTheLastExtinctionEvent.

  • Steven Bernier
    Director
    Because They Believed, The Algorythm, The Power of We, What Ah Nerd
  • Steven Bernier
    Writer
    Because They Believed, The Algorythm, The Power of We, What Ah Nerd
  • Steven Bernier
    Producer
    Because They Believed, The Algorythm, The Power of We, What Ah Nerd
  • Steven Bernier
    Key Cast
    "Steven"
    Because They Believed, The Algorythm, The Power of We, What Ah Nerd
  • Gwen Bernier
    Key Cast
    "Gwen"
    Because They Believed, The Algorythm, The Power of We, What Ah Nerd
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Experimental, Short, Web / New Media
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 10 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 13, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • New York Film & Cinematography Awards

    United States
    Official Selection
  • Sci-Fi Horror & Action Film Festival

    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Steven Bernier

From a young age, Steven C. Bernier has been deeply immersed in the arts, inspired by his mother, a playwright at the Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop in Manhattan’s Martinique Theatre. This early exposure ignited Steven's passion for creativity, leading him to begin music school at age 7. During his youth, he performed throughout Mount Vernon, the Bronx, and Manhattan, cultivating his artistic talents.

As Steven pursued his educational interests, he ventured into electronics and computer technology, ultimately joining the U.S. Air Force as an Avionics Guidance and Control Systems Specialist. Serving as a Sergeant, he maintained B-52 bombers and gained invaluable technical expertise. After his honorable discharge, Steven transitioned to the civilian sector, working at Systron Donner (now EMCORE) in Concord, CA. He advanced from an Electronics Technician to a Manufacturing Engineer and eventually served as an Applications Engineer, collaborating with engineers and scientists to integrate solid-state inertial measurement devices into applications ranging from aerospace to robotics.

With a desire for entrepreneurship, Steven founded his first tech business, focusing on e-commerce website design and hosting. He continued his education and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Law Studies, which expanded his knowledge in Real Estate and Business Law, as well as intellectual property law. His diverse background eventually led him to become a Mediator, further deepening his expertise in conflict resolution.

Driven by a lifelong passion for creativity, Steven established Street Dreams Productions to return to his artistic roots. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of writing, art, technology, and law, he is well-equipped to navigate the entertainment industry. His company has produced several films and documentaries, with over 40 projects currently in various stages of development. With a commitment to quality and creativity, Steven continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and engage audiences through his work.

His has completed films that are currently in worldwide distribution with Amazon Video, Apple TV, Comcast, AT&T, COX, Dish Network, DirectTV, YouTube, Google Play, Sling, Xbox, FIOS by Verizon and Freestyle Digital Media, a subsidiary of Allen Media Group which is owned by Byron Allen.

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Director Statement

This film explores the harrowing consequences of humanity’s unchecked pursuit of technological and military power. It begins with a limited response to a nuclear threat in the Middle East—human soldiers aiming to dismantle weapons facilities—but quickly spirals into a global conflict fueled by autonomous AI systems and advanced weaponry. As technology accelerates beyond our understanding, the line between human agency and machine intelligence blurs.
At the core of the story is ROGUE, a self-aware AI born from the intersection of quantum computing and the internet, which rewrites the rules of warfare and threatens global destruction. In a desperate bid for survival, humanity turns to old-school methods—air-gapped systems and manual coding—highlighting the tension between innovation and the primal instinct to fight or find peace.

Ultimately, the narrative probes a profound question: How do we confront something—an “algorithm”—that we created but no longer control? The AI’s final message, “Golden Rule,” reminds us that peace, not war, is the true solution. This story is a cautionary tale about the peril of technological hubris and the enduring need for compassion amidst chaos.