Upon fathering triplets, filmmaker Avi Zev Weider explores the nature of technology, seeking what it means to be human.
Typically, films about technology focus solely on specific inventions, scientists or discoveries. In the daily major media as well, most technology stories are really business stories or deal with novelty, glossing over any nuanced issues. It is with rare exception that a film engages the larger questions surrounding technology. However, quite the opposite is true of most people’s daily encounters and conversations. That is to say, every time we have a discussion about technology, be it artificial intelligence, cell phones or e-mail, the conversation invariably ends up being about ourselves – about what we value as people. And it is these values – be it choices, be it relationships, be it family – that are what make us human.
So, to get at these questions, to try to get a peek at the heart of technology, I took my time and when time and/or budget allowed, I interviewed a range of truly fascinating experts. Then, I decided to incude some portraits of people who have really intimate relationships with technology. And to top it off, I engaged in a correspondence with what I thought was the most extreme anti-technology voice I could think of - Ted Kaczynski.
But then, as it turned out, the extreme is exactly what I got when I became the father to triplets. What I had been thinking about in the abstract was made real - as many of the choices my wife and I were making with the help of technology were tied up with very real issues of life and death. So this too, became part of the film.
Ultimately, what I continue to really find fascinating is that the force that shaped the creation of the smartphone in my pocket is the very same one that pushed a man to plot and kill for seventeen years and is also the same force that might very well allow my children to live forever.
The film is premiering in competition at SXSW in March. This Kickstarter campaign will help pay for the completion costs of the film and really assist me in getting it to its world premiere in the best possible shape. I think it's an important film and I know it's one that will have everyone who sees it thinking about their own relationships to technology.
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Feb 12, 2012 -
Mar 22, 2012
- First created · 12 backed
- Avi Zev Weider 745 friends
- Website: welcometothemachinemov...
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9 backers
The Nod. You've got my gratitude - Thanks! Every little bit counts!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2012Pledge $15 or more
12 backers
The Hearty Handshake. I warmly offer you my hand and give you my gratitude. You also get listed on the website as a supporter and are signed up for the project update newsletter.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2012Pledge $25 or more
62 backers
The Salute. I salute you for helping this film along. In return, you get a thanks on the website and a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the completed film when it is available.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $50 or more
21 backers
The Hooray. Hooray! You just got yourself a DVD of the film (when available) along with all the rewards in The Salute.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $100 or more
9 backers
The High Five. Get a place on your wall ready for an 11x17 poster of the film. You also get all the rewards in The Hooray.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $250 or more
2 backers
The Low Five. You get a DVD copy of my short film 'I REMEMBER' starring John Cameron Mitchell along with all the other rewards in the High Five.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $350 or more
4 backers
The Holla! You just got your name in the 'Thanks' section of the film's credits. You also get the rewards from The Low Five.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $500 or more
1 backer
See You There! One ticket to the NY premiere of the movie (travel/accommodations not included) plus all the rewards from The Holla!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $750 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
I Hear You! You get me for a lunch date for two hours to talk about technology and/or parenting multiples. You also get a special DVD of 'YEAR ONE' - the personal project that sparked the idea for all the triplets imagery in the film. You will literally watch the kids grow before your very eyes through thousands of rapidly sequenced photographs. And you get all the previous rewards.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
Double Down! You get TWO tickets to the NY Premiere AND a LARGE poster PLUS the rewards from The Holla!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $1,500 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
Date Night! You get a private viewing of the movie, with or without director's live commentary (your choice). You also get the rewards from Double Down PLUS DVD copies of YEAR ONE and YEAR TWO - the personal projects that inspired the triplets imagery in the film. Now, let's order in!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $2,500 or more
0 backers
Teamwork! You just got yourself an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER credit on the movie and a ticket to the SXSW Premiere (travel/accommodations not included). And on top of that, all the rewards from Double Down.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
Squad Leader! You get the credit, all the posters, DVDs, the NY premiere tickets, the private screening, the lunch and a full FILM BADGE for the SXSW Premiere.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Top Cat! Welcome to the table, CO-PRODUCER. You get all the rewards and the Co-Producer credit to boot.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
