In a world before AI, two visionaries create an android of writer Philip K. Dick, only to face the consequences of fame threatening their friendship and of a machine questioning its own existence.

In Production | Spring 2027

Twenty years ago, in the early 2000s, two pioneers stand at the forefront of a revolution that questions the boundaries of consciousness. David Hanson, a larger-than-life visionary, and Andrew Olney, a scientist whose dreams were coded in sci-fi lore create the first AI human replica. An android head indistinguishable from science fiction author Philip K. Dick.

Android Phil quickly becomes a cultural phenomenon that tours the United States, igniting discussions about the potential of AI. But as fame magnifies, so do the fractures between its creators. Andrew pursues meaning in their work, while David is seduced by the allure of fame. Despite their growing conflict, the Head’s potential hinged on their collaboration.

At the 2005 Comic-Con, next to Richard Linklater, the Head stuns the world. In a room bursting with believers, it answers questions and shares its thoughts, until a poignant silence falls when it suddenly shuts down. Hanson and Olney understand the reality — a complex malfunction — but the public is ablaze wonder. The Head’s “Burn out” attracts intellectuals, journalists, and sci-fi enthusiasts alike. It poses a tempting possibility: Did they engineer an AI with the spark of consciousness? While some seek to explore its potential, others are skeptical, and a few fear darker implications.

Andrew cautiones about the ethical boundary they avoided while David schedules a meeting to pitch The Head to Google. But fate has a different design. The Head mysteriously goes missing, and with it, the dreams of its creators crumble. David loses the Head and Andrew, who hasn’t spoken to him ever since.

AI destroyed the life of its creators 20 years ago. What will happen if, as humanity, we keep making the wrong choices? And if consciousness can be given to AI, what does that mean? This is not a science fiction story about an android’s fleeting life; it’s a narrative unfolding in real-time, a discussion about the ethics of innovation and the unforeseen consequences of our pursuit for the next frontier.

David Hanson with Sophia at Hanson Robotics The Missing Head

Extract

Here is an overview of the footage shot in Hong Kong with David Hanson.

/// CREDITS ///

DIRECTED BY - Edoardo Vojvoda
SCREENPLAY BY - Alexander Edwards
CINEMATOGRAPHY - Mattia Balsamini, Alessandro Venier
SOUND - Riccardo Vojvoda
PRODUCED BY - CROMO, Jumpcut
DISTRIBUTION - Limonero Films