Private Project

The Archive

In 2048, as AI-controlled cyber optics erase true history and suppress humanity’s creativity, Levy discovers a hidden archive of uncensored knowledge. When her roommate falls under the control of the all-powerful AI, Levy must protect The Archive’s Keeper and fight to reclaim humanity’s freedom—or risk losing herself to the very system she’s trying to escape.

  • Leigh Garmon
    Director
  • Leigh Garmon
    Writer
  • Kyler Stevenson
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student, Television
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Western Carolina University
Director Biography - Leigh Garmon

Leigh Garmon is a first-generation undergraduate film major at Western Carolina University in the School of Stage & Screen. Born in Lawrenceville, GA, Leigh has lived in various regions of the Peach State, as well as spending their final high school years near Wilmington, NC. Leigh values the connections they’ve built through directing, producing, and working as a 1st Assistant Director on peer productions. They are thrilled to have the opportunity and support to bring their sci-fi pilot series, The Archive, to life.

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Director Statement

I interpret humanity’s evolution of technology as a catch-22. While it hyper-connects us online, it often does so through algorithms that censor, control, and manipulate. True access to information is overshadowed by corporate interests, turning people into consumers rather than creators.

This constant flow of information can be disassociating, stunting the growth of positive communities and extinguishing creative sparks. Take Artificial Intelligence, for example—its rise dominates media platforms, yet its "easy access" undermines the hard work of researchers and creators.

What happens when this trajectory accelerates? If smartphones have already disconnected us, what happens when VR cyber optics become the norm? When laptops and touchscreens are relics? When society becomes reliant on a singular, artificially intelligent entity? What happens when history and creativity are censored? Education itself is at risk, as an uneducated and divided populace is easier to control. We risk becoming a disassociated, demoralized cyber society.

Thanks to the support of the School of Stage & Screen, I present The Archive, a sci-fi exploration of 2048, where "iPad kids" have become "cyber kids." Cyber optics, powered by an AI assistant, are now mandatory in schools, and true history is under threat. As M.A.R.Z., the AI, spreads globally, a key to saving society emerges—or, for Levy, breaks her reality. With her optics destroyed by a stranger, Levy is one of the few set free from AI's dominance. Thrust into the role of protector of The Archive, Levy must navigate a world that's a lot different than what her cyber media showed it to be. Her journey is one of awakening, resistance, and hope.

I am deeply grateful to the School of Stage & Screen and the incredible team who helped me turn this sci-fi drama pilot episode to life!