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. 

'Vesper plays like a cult film waiting to be discovered. It adeptly fuses a compelling YA-friendly story about a teenage girl’s survival in a hostile environment with dense, thoughtful world-building…’ – The Guardian 
 
This screening is part of the SCIENCE. ART. FILM. series presented by the National Film and Sound Archive, Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and ANU Humanities Research Centre.

SPEAKERS

Dr Dan Santos is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science. Broadly, he is interested in examining the social, economic and environmental dimensions of emerging biotechnologies, especially with respect to questions around innovation, public engagement and openness in science. Recently, this has included biohacking, synthetic biology, and stem cells. Dr Santos is also a big movie buff, and in a former life – prior to his PhD – enjoyed writing movie reviews. 

More panellists to be announced soon.

MODERATOR

Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens  is a Senior Lecturer in Science Communication at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and the Head of the Popsicule – ANU’s Science in Popular Culture and Entertainment Hub. Her research explores the cultural meanings of science in different pop cultural media.