THE VISIONS OF TOMORROW - presented by Pause Originals 

Exploring humanity's journey through technology, evolution and imagination by emerging film directors. These cinematic creations mirror a concerted global move towards a sustainable future, taking cues from the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Doughnut Economics proposed by Economist and Author, Kate Raworth. Through imaginative storytelling and groundbreaking visuals, these films unveil evocative narratives that stretch from post-apocalyptic landscapes to futuristic terraforming, embodying the anticipation of a climate-neutral, zero-emissions world post-2050. 

These short films serve as a canvas where the stark reality of today's challenges meets the whimsical allure of tomorrow's possibilities – and are great conversation starters questioning what is possible. 

Header image: Dreaveler by Taehoon Park, 2018, 1:40 

WORLD PREMIERE 

• Billy by ZHEESHEE, 2023, 0:57 
• The Forester by MixCode Studio, 2023, 2:44  
• MARSISSISM by Haram Jung, 2023, 2:18  
• Solar Pulse by Leon Liang, 2023, 2:14 

OTHER WORKS 

• Evolution by Pixel, 2016, 2:14  
• Singularity by Mister, 2018, 2:10 
• Dreaveler by Taehoon Park, 2018, 1:40  
• Simulation by Radugadesign, 2020, 1:30 
• Cyberpunk Shaihaiching by Lei Alucard, 2020, 1:58  
• HINABI by The Acid House, 2019, 2:00 
• Colony Collapse Disorder by Woodwork, 2014, 0:38  
• Lift in the moment by Carbon, 2018, 1:54 
• Intimate Future by Dirty Puppet, 2019, 0:57  
• x1 by InferStudio, 2020, 1:41 
• Save the Pure by Gramm, 2015, 1:31  
• Haptic Call by Its Got Stealth, 2019, 1:35  
• Absent by Eun Woo Lee, 2020, 3:10  
• NOMANKIND by Mehdi Hadi, 2021, 2:23  
• HOPE by SeenVision, 2020, 1:45 
• A New Hope by The Loop, 2019, 2:39 
• A brief history of time by Crave FX, 2016, 2:15

FILM PROGRAM

Billy by ZHEESHEE, 2023, 0:57 

In a post-apocalyptic setting, Billy explores a new reality where a diligent recycling robot seeks purpose post-humanity, exhibiting an enriching narrative melding survival and purpose. Billy remarkably embodies much of human-like characteristics, showing his emotions and empathy for humans. 

Evolution by Pixel, 2016, 2:14  

Evolution traverses the rapid pace of human progress, propelled by accumulated knowledge. Pixel navigates from primitive ages to the universe's edge, envisaging technology's limitless transcendence, probing the intertwined journey of humanity and knowledge. 

Singularity by Mister, 2018, 2:10 

Singularity explores the philosophical and practical essence of creating synthetic life. Mister prompts a profound examination of evolutionary junctures as humanity treads on the verge of surpassing its own intelligence, embarking on an ultimate, uncharted journey. 

Dreaveler by Taehoon Park, 2018, 1:40  

Dreaveler reveals a future where death's dread is mitigated through dreams. Taehoon Park delves into nostalgic journeys provided by 'DREAVELER’, a service guiding the melancholic through cherished memories, portraying a poignant juxtaposition between past allure and future reality. 

MARSISSISM by Haram Jung, 2023, 2:18  

Delving into futuristic terraforming, MARSISSISM reflects on human endeavours on Mars, unveiling cities beneath its surface, encountered through an astronaut's perilous journey amidst a Mars storm. Haram Jung creatively interlaces mythology and futuristic expectations, stirring contemplations on mankind's cosmic pursuits. 

Simulation by Radugadesign, 2020, 1:30 

Simulation portrays a metaverse, birthed from AI and integrated into human cognition, forging multiple reality layers. Radugadesign imagines a future where human interaction and creation transcend conventional boundaries, venturing into an infinite realm of possibilities. 

Solar Pulse by Leon Liang, 2023, 2:14 

Solar Pulse envisages a 2050 filled with Low-Earth orbiting solar stations generating gigawatts of clean electricity, and celebrating energy self-sufficiency through solar car races with techno music and stunts. Leon Liang nostalgically retrieves golden-age sci-fi optimism, rekindling the thrilling embrace of technology and future. 

Cyberpunk Shaihaiching by Lei Alucard, 2020, 1:58  

Engaging with ancestral narratives, Cyberpunk Shaihaiching intertwines ancient mythologies with modern technology. Lei Alucard crafts a narrative of newly born deities through science, probing the division or unity it may summon amidst human kinship. 

HINABI by The Acid House, 2019, 2:00 

HINABI (Woven) delivers a thought-provoking critique of technological barriers overshadowing human interaction. The Acid House envisions a future stripped of prejudice, urging a return to communal bonds, orchestrating a narrative of hope amid societal discord. 

Colony Collapse Disorder by Woodwork, 2014, 0:38  

Woodwork's Colony Collapse Disorder examines a potential ecological catastrophe triggered by human interference. This brief yet poignant narrative prompts viewers to contemplate our disconnect with nature and the domino effects that may unfurl on the ecosystem. 

Lift in the moment by Carbon, 2018, 1:54 

Lift in the moment portrays the overwhelming journey of self-discovery amid societal expectations. Through a narrative crafted by Carbon, viewers are encouraged to find balance in life's chaos, depicting a subtle ode to self-acceptance and the calming serenity of the present moment. 

Intimate Future by Dirty Puppet, 2019, 0:57  

Intimate Future unfolds an evocative glimpse into a universal desire for human connection, unaltered by time or space. Dirty Puppet’s narrative eloquently underlines the persistent essence of human intimacy, affirming its irreplaceable value in an ever-evolving world. 

x1 by InferStudio, 2020, 1:41 

x1 by InferStudio delves into a hyper-personalised, data-driven future where cities morph into gigantic fulfilment centres, meeting every conceivable need instantly. The narrative subtly critiques the extreme efficiency and materialism, reflecting on human desires in a tech-dominated future. 

The Forester by MixCode Studio, 2023, 2:44  

Inspired by the widely used "drone reforestation" around the world – a forestry robot, amidst its tree-planting endeavour, unveils an ancient relic, triggering peculiar, green-filled anomalies. A profound reflection on actions today leading to greener tomorrows, envisioning a hopeful, verdant world post-2050. 

Save the Pure by Gramm, 2015, 1:31  

Through Save the Pure, Gramm endeavours to highlight the imperiled purity of the Arctic. Confronting climate change and corporate greed, the film advocates for urgent action to preserve one of Earth's last unexplored sanctuaries, nudging audiences toward environmental consciousness. 

Haptic Call by Its Got Stealth, 2019, 1:35  

Haptic Call ventures into a bleak yet hopeful future where technology bridges the emotional distances amidst an overpopulated, isolated society. It's Got Stealth presents a whimsical narrative, anticipating the rekindling of human bonds around cherished traditions. 

Absent by Eun Woo Lee, 2020, 3:10  

Absent explores humanity’s absence as Voyager returns with an alien signal post-apocalyptic pandemic. Eun Woo Lee creatively intertwines hope and loss, crafting a contemplative narrative around missed opportunities and the indelible mark of change. 

NOMANKIND by Mehdi Hadi, 2021, 2:23  

NOMANKIND by Mehdi Hadi presents a stark reality where machines usurp the world, pushing humanity to the brink. Amidst the rapidly evolving mechanical realm, the film illuminates the urgent, impending dilemma of artificial intelligence and human survival

HOPE by SeenVision, 2020, 1:45 

HOPE by SeenVision envisions Earth’s rejuvenation post-catastrophe, maintained by advanced machines awaiting humanity’s re-emergence. Through serene landscapes and reflective narrative, HOPE exudes optimism for a harmonious co-existence between nature, machines, and mankind. 

A New Hope by The Loop, 2019, 2:39 

A New Hope ventures into the unsettling consequences of unchecked technological advancements in a society ill-prepared for its ramifications. It's a stark examination of the intersection between popularity, power, and exponential tech growth, digging into our worst fears, urging reflection on today's decisions to foster a safer tomorrow. 

A brief history of time by Crave FX, 2016, 2:15 

Crave FX’s A brief history of time embarks on a riveting journey through temporal dimensions where characters are entrapped in an endless loop of events. The film explores a sophisticated interplay of past, present, and future, encapsulating life’s intricacies within a boundless temporal continuum in a modern take on Zbigniew Rybczyński's ‘Tango’.