A futuristic short film exploring emotional dependency on AI and the irreplaceable value of human empathy.
Digital media & visualisation
Digital Storytelling
Film + Narrative design
Sound Design
Brief Overview
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Screens glow, voices guide,
Life moves on the algorithm’s side.
Comfort grows, thinking fades,
Freedom slips through hidden trades.
In a world so bright with AI light,
Why does something still feel not right?
AI AI on the Wall
Short film
2024
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About the Film
In a future where life is guided by intelligent machines, convenience feels like comfort until it begins to shape who we are. This film is a quiet reflection on emotional dependency in the age of AI. It explores the fragile boundary between assistance and control, and the human need to feel seen, understood, and valued. Through a simple, intimate story, it reminds us that while technology can simulate perfection, it can never replace empathy, memory, or the emotional depth that makes us human.
Concept Statement
The film reimagines a relatable modern behaviour, relying on smart assistants for everyday tasks and pushes it into a near future scenario where AI influences personal identity and emotional expression. It uses a simple, relatable premise to explore a deeper question:
When artificial intelligence begins to influence not just what we do, but who we are, what remains of our individuality?
Themes Explored
Narrative Intent
The intention behind this story is not to portray AI as a villain, but to present a human truth: technology can enhance life, but it cannot understand emotion.
The film emphasises the value of self-expression, personal history, and emotional independence, elements of humanity that cannot be quantified by algorithms.
Through visual storytelling and symbolic framing, the film encourages viewers to reflect on their own unseen dependencies on technology.
Freytag’s Pyramid
Aristotle’s 6 Elements of Drama
Plot (What happens in the story)
A young woman dependent on AI faces an emotional conflict when her AI assistant rejects a personal choice connected to her late mother, leading her to question her reliance on technology.
Theme (The central idea or message)
AI can simplify life, but it cannot replace human emotion, memory, or empathy. The film explores emotional dependency on technology and loss of personal agency.
Character (Who the story is about)
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Laila – Protagonist; emotionally dependent on AI, searching for self-agency.
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Maya (AI) – Antagonist by function; logical, efficient, but emotionless and controlling.
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Mother (symbolic) – Represents love, memory, and human attachment.
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Diction (Dialogues, tone, and language of the film)
Minimal dialogues; contrast between human emotional expression and the AI’s cold, instructional tone. Language reinforces emotional distance vs. mechanical logic.
Melody (Sound, rhythm, and music)
Background sounds were self-recorded and refined in Ableton Live, while ambient AI tones and emotional music layers were composed to reflect the film’s emotional shift.
Spectacle (Visual elements and presentation)
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Mirror – Represents validation and identity controlled by technology
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Saree – Symbol of emotional heritage and individuality
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Photo Frame – Memory, nostalgia, and human relationships
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Maya’s Voice Interface – Invisible control and psychological influence
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Tear – The return of human emotion against machine logic
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