“Anchored by three dazzling central performances, it’s a stunning directorial debut from Alex Garland that’s essential viewing for anyone with even a passing interest in where technology is taking us”
DOORS: 18:15 | TALK BEGINS: 18:45 | FILM BEGINS: 19:15
We’re delighted to announce the first in an exciting series combining great films with insightful talks from experts in collaboration with TEDxBRISTOL, starting with ‘Future on Film’. Alongside a screening of the startlingly prescient sci-fi Ex Machina, 2023 TEDxBRISTOL speaker Anna Davey-Mitchell will host a fascinating introductory talk.
Anna will be talking about the history of simulated humans and discussing how these objects are now moving from popular imaginaries (such as literature, plays, music, and film), into established human social and political roles via humanoid, AI robotics, and how films like Ex Machina can help us consider what the impact of having “citizens that you can buy” will have on humanity.
Almost a decade after its release, Alex Garland’s Oscar-winning sci-fi thriller feels more relevant than ever. It’s haunting, stylish and cerebral, and one of the finest pieces of science fiction of the 21st Century so far…
About The Film
2015 | 15 | 104 mins
Up-and-coming programmer Caleb wins a rare opportunity to visit the remote retreat of his boss, tech billionaire Nathan Bateman. There, Nathan asks Caleb to participate in a test of the human qualities of a new form of Artificial Intelligence which is housed in a realistic human body - but the experiment soon turns into a dark psychological battle…
Contains strong language, bloody violence, sex references
About Anna Davey-Mitchell
Anna is a techno-political researcher at the University of Bristol. She is Co-Lead of UoB's Digital Societies Faculty Research Group and an affiliate of the Bristol Digital Futures Institute. Her work investigates the construction and commercialisation of humanoid AI robots, what these tell us about commercially driven conceptions of femininity and whiteness, and how this affects global politics and policy.
Anna is Co-Director of the Humans Need Apply think tank. She has supported companies and researchers to develop and commercialise innovations globally.
About TEDxBRISTOL
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
TEDxBRISTOL was last hosted on 18th November 2023. More information about the 2024 event will be available shortly.
Watch The Official Trailer
TICKETS
Getting Here
There is on-street parking directly outside the venue and on adjacent roads. Charges may apply so please check signage. There are also nearby car parks located on Trenchard Street and Jacob Wells Road.
The 1532 Performing Arts Centre is an accessible venue. We offer limited access parking via a side vehicle gate on Elton Road, just up the road from the main entrance. Please contact us on 1532@bgs.bristol.sch.uk if you require accessible access.
The Elton Road bus stop is served by route 72. The Queens Road bus stop is served by routes 1, 2, 2a, 3, 4, 8 and U2.
Wherever possible, we encourage walking the use of public transport when travelling to our events.
Accessibility
1532 Bristol is an accessible venue - please contact us with any specific access concerns.
If you are attending an event as a carer for a disabled guest, then you are entitled to free access. Please select the relevant ticket and bring appropriate proof of eligibility such as proof of blue badge, access card, cinema for all card, letter from a professional or evidence of DLA/PIP.
Please contact us if you require a wheelchair space, or require seating in a particular area (e.g. closer to the exit, at the end of a row).
If you require subtitles, please contact us in advance of making your booking. Many of our screenings can accommodate subtitles, however this varies depending on the film.
We want to make your visit as enjoyable as possible, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about this venue’s accessibility.
Venue & Event Information
Doors for this event will open at 18:15, with the film starting at 18:45.
There will be an interval during this screening.
FAQs
I have a BuyAGift/Red Letter Days/other voucher. How do I redeem this for this event? Head to this page for more information about redeeming Gift Vouchers.
Is my ticket refundable? We operate a no-refunds policy; tickets may be exchanged for event credit to the same value of your ticket up to 72 hours before the start of an event. To request an event credit, please complete our event credit application.