The Building
‘The Building’ is a short drama directed by Dr Orson Nava, a senior lecturer on Ravensbourne’s BA (Hons) Digital Film Production course. The story explores the ethical and personal issues raised by our increased dependence on technology. At the centre is Caleb, a company CEO who comes to rely on the office manager AI which runs his building for personal and work advice. Who actually has control in the relationship? And does the AI have a more developed moral sense than the man it serves?
The project was supported by the university as a knowledge exchange project – university staff, students, and recent graduates worked together to bring the project to life.
I found it really rewarding collaborating with students, outside professionals, and my fellow staff members on a creative project.
Filming took place inside our state-of-the-art Institute for Creativity and Technology (ICT) building. Dr Nava said the striking, science-fiction style interiors were a direct inspiration when writing the film’s script.
Dr Orson Nava, Senior Lecturer
The lead actor is Mo Sesay, who has played an important part in British film and TV. He was previously the star of the first film directed by a black gay director in the UK, ‘Young Soul Rebels’, and the first feature film directed by an Asian woman.
Dr Nava said: “The shoot went really well and I’m looking forward to editing it and getting the finished film out to festivals and conferences. I’m also planning to do a screening at Ravensbourne and in the design district.
“Fiction film can be used as a way of ‘rehearsing’ certain social scenarios that we will encounter in real life. In this case, that means exploring the types of power relations that will characterise our relationships with AI.
“AI is a fascinating area. It’s not all going to be ‘skynet’ and global destruction. AI will also be an ally and collaborator in the creative sphere. It might also challenge our more selfish impulses if it is programmed to act in a more altruistic manner than humans.”
We were thrilled that our students received this opportunity. Close links with industry and providing opportunities to work on real-world projects is a core part of the Ravensbourne offering.
