In the Art & Science section, we focus on the most interesting scientific discoveries, experiments, inventions and research. This category includes titles such as: "Kinsey", whose shocking research effectively divided the American public, "iHuman" – a documentary introducing the idea of artificial intelligence, or the now iconic "Interstellar", directed by Chrisopher Nolan.
In August, as part of the Art & Science section, we will also be screening the most interesting popular science productions. There are, however, a few changes ahead. First of all, starting from 2 August, all the screenings within this section will be held on Tuesdays. Despite initial plans to change the location, the highly popular Art & Science section in August will be also held at Biedermann’s Palace. The exception is the film entitled "More Human than Human", which will be screened on 30 August. This screening will take place in the garden of the Oskar Ziegler Villa, Maria Skłodowska-Curie 11. The screening will be accompanied by a lecture prepared by the University of Lodz.
Due to adverse weather conditions, the screening of the film 'Interstellar' could not take place as originally scheduled. However, not everything is lost! On 2 August, we will return to Biedermann’s Palace to screen one of the most acclaimed Sci-Fi films in the history of cinema for you.
In August, the Art & Science section will include 5 films:
- 2 August – "Interstellar", directed by Christoper Nolan (start: 9 p.m.)
Set in a dystopian future where humanity is struggling to survive, the film follows a group of astronauts who travel through a wormhole near Saturn in search of a new home for mankind.
- 9 August – "An Impossible Project", directed by Jens Meurer (start: 9 p.m.)
Dr Florian "Doc" Kaps is an eccentric Viennese biologist who has always been fascinated by analogue image and sound media. When in 2008, a year after the first iPhone was launched, Polaroid's last factory in Enschede in the Netherlands was threatened with demolition, he decided to raise the 180,000 euros needed to buy it back to save it from collapse. The film documents the work of Doc and other enthusiasts of the analogue revolution and shows that in the digital age Polaroid is an alternative entertainment, but also an opportunity to trust our senses again.
- 16 August – "Beuys", directed by Andres Veiel (start: 9 p.m.)
The story of the charismatic German artist, art theorist, educator and activist Joseph Beuys, who claimed that everyone was an artist in life, everyone could create art and influence it and the world around them. The film is an insightful portrait of his life and work based almost entirely on archive materials. The film proves that Beuys was a visionary far beyond the times in which he lived.
- 23 August – "iHuman", directed by Tonje Hessen Schei (start: 9 p.m.)
The documentary follows the rapidly growing artificial intelligence industry, what opportunities and challenges it brings and its impact on the global community. It also raises the question of whether artificial intelligence is safe for us. How does it affect who we are? What goals and values do we encode in it and do we have any control over it at all? As the amount of data being processed and the computing power of computers increases, we are facing a revolution. Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly change our lives and the world beyond recognition and this will be an irreversible process.
- 30 August – "More Human Than Human", directed by Tommy Pallotta, Femke Wolting (garden of the Oskar Ziegler Villa, Maria Curie-Skłodowska 11) (start: 9 p.m.)
The film initiates a debate about the potential of artificial intelligence. It also confronts us with ethical dilemmas about the way it is programmed. The rapid development of artificial intelligence and its significant impact on our lives is a fact. Once the domain of science fiction, it is now part of our reality. We are surrounded by intelligent machines. On the one hand, artificial intelligence is a triumph for the human mind; on the other, it brings about major social and ethical changes as a consequence of its creation.
More information about the festival and the programme of events
Source: TME Polówka
Edit: Promotion Centre, University of Lodz