Science. Art. Film. :Vesper & Panel 2024

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This recent science fiction release is set in the wake of an environmental catastrophe, wrought by out-of-control genetic technology, which separates survivors on either side of stark class divisions. In a post-apocalyptic world, teenage bio-hacker Vesper is presented with a chance to save her struggling community if she can find a way to cultivate a precious discovery of seeds. With surprisingly pared-back visual effects and stunning landscape cinematography, this Lithuanian/French/Belgian co-production from writer/directors Kristina Buozyte and Bruno Samper offers audiences a tender and remarkably near-future feeling, human-scale fable.

Vesper presents both positive and negative dimensions of genetic engineering, both fulfilling and subverting genre conventions. This film also explores 'biohacking' - genetic engineering by lay people - and invites audiences to consider the implications for the 'real' world. Join us after the movie for an insightful panel discussion exploring these and other questions with Dr Dan Santos.

This film is part of the Science. Art. Film. series presented by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and the ANU Humanities Research Centre. The program also includes screenings of Interstellar and Chappie.