The sci-fi shorts imagining our cities of the future
- Text by Niall Flynn
- Photography by Blast Theory
In a world that appears more chaotic and unpredictable with each passing day, a new collection of sci-fi shorts is pondering how our communities and environment will appear 80 years from now – and what kind of role humans will take in shaping them.
The project, titled 2097: We Made Ourselves Over, encompasses a series of five short visuals, each of which is accompanied by its own immersive film made especially for smartphones. Coming courtesy of interactive art group Blast Theory – and co-commissioned by Hull 2017 UK City of Culture and Aarhus European Capital of Culture 2017 – the series seeks to explore the belief that “everyone has the power to act and influence the future.”
Set in the fictional city of Aarhull in the year 2097, the film features ideas (molecular harvesters, the transferring of consciousness from the dead to the living) influenced by interviews with experts in fields such as community activism, climate change and artificial intelligence, as well as current residents of both Hull and Aarhus. However, rather than present a dystopia, 2097: We Made Ourselves Over instead focuses on the positive, exciting potential of such a landscape; the interactive nature of the app allows viewers to have a first-hand role in the events, working with characters in the film on decisions that concern the future city.
Speaking on the series, Blast Theory’s Nick Tandavanitj explained: “2097: We Made Ourselves Over takes you on a journey to the cusp of the next century into a world where consciousness is transferred from the dead to the living and molecular harvesters destroy cities and rebuild them.”
“Exploring the belief that everyone has the power to act and influence the future – 2097: We Made Ourselves Over uncovers the unnerving and exhilarating idea that anything is possible.”
The sci-fi short films and app will be available online from Sunday October 1, with a brand new short sci-fi film and app episode released every weekend for the rest of the month.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
This erotic zine dismantles LGBTQ+ respectability politics
Zine Scene — Created by Megan Wallace and Jack Rowe, PULP is a new print publication that embraces the diverse and messy, yet pleasurable multitudes that sex and desire can take.
Written by: Isaac Muk
As Tbilisi’s famed nightclubs reawaken, a murky future awaits
Spaces Between the Beats — Since Georgia’s ruling party suspended plans for EU accession, protests have continued in the capital, with nightclubs shutting in solidarity. Victor Swezey reported on their New Year’s Eve reopening, finding a mix of anxiety, catharsis and defiance.
Written by: Victor Swezey
Los Angeles is burning: Rick Castro on fleeing his home once again
Braver New World — In 2020, the photographer fled the Bobcat Fire in San Bernardino to his East Hollywood home, sparking the inspiration for an unsettling photo series. Now, while preparing for its exhibition, he has had to leave once again, returning to the mountains.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Ghais Guevara: “Rap is a pinnacle of our culture”
What Made Me — In our new series, we ask artists and rebels about the forces and experiences that have shaped who they are. First up, Philadelphian rap experimentalist Ghais Guevara.
Written by: Ghais Guevara
Gaza Biennale comes to London in ICA protest
Art and action — The global project, which presents the work of over 60 Palestinian artists, will be on view outside the art institution in protest of an exhibition funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai
Ragnar Axelsson’s thawing vision of Arctic life
At the Edge of the World — For over four decades, the Icelandic photographer has been journeying to the tip of the earth and documenting its communities. A new exhibition dives into his archive.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai