The Bostrom Scenario

There are very few films in Aotearoa/New Zealand that aim to explore the explicit philosophical themes and conflicts that science fiction evokes. For me, making this film was a chance to show that New Zealand is just as capable of making philosophical, plot-puzzle cinema that is usually reserved for the likes of Donnie Darko, Primer, Inception, Mulholland Drive and of course Doctor Who (all great film and TV). Inspired by the writings of philosophers such as Nick Bostrom, David Chalmers and Jack Copeland, my film takes the philosophy of their work and fuses it with Gnostic mythology. This is to create a world that lives beyond the frames of the shot and explores the spiritual, fantastical and even religious elements of modern Transhumanism (AI, minds uploaded to the net, simulation theory etc.).

This is a movie we spent more than 3 years filming, shooting before the global pandemic even started. That’s a long time for a film to grow and develop an identity of its own. For me, this film has become many things. It is an expression of our personal COVID-19 paranoia and anxiety. it is a mirrored reflection of our time as green-horned students who made the mad choice to film a feature film. It is also in some ways a reflection of the trauma Christchurch represses about its past decade. And being at a tiny budget of approx $25,000NZD, we strive to show that even a tiny film can tell a big story.