PLUG AND PRAY
Price: $310.00 Code: 2393 |
Directed by Jens Schanze and Judith Malek-Mahdavi
2010, 91 Minutes
Purchase: $310 | Classroom Rental: $125
The idea of intelligent machines has captivated humankind's imagination since the dawn of time. But recent breakthroughs have the potential of turning this fantastical dream into reality. Plug and Pray takes us on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence - a field of study where computer technology, robotics, biology, neuroscience, and developmental psychology converge - exploring not only the latest advancements and developments, but the ethical and philosophical questions raised along the way.
Fifty years ago, computers in their current form were the stuff of science fiction. Today, we rely upon them to control the electric grid, fly planes, store our collective knowledge, fight our wars, communicate with friends, and teach our children. The next generation of technology researchers envision robots as the future. From adult-sized, flesh-toned babysitters to nano-robots that circulate in our cells improving our DNA, robots will be good for us. At least that's the assumption of scientists in labs in Boston, Genoa, Tokyo, and Hamburg as they move relentlessly forward with their cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence.
Plug and Pray features interviews with scientists, engineers and established experts in this field, including American inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil (named one of sixteen "revolutionaries who made America") and former MIT professor Joseph Weizenbaum, a pioneer in the field of AI who has since become one of its harshest critics
Deeply fascinating and occasionally frightening, Plug and Pray is an enlightening foray into what's possible today and where it may lead us tomorrow.
* Winner, Grand Prix du Jury for Best Film, International Science Film Festival Paris, 2010
* Winner, Science Communication Award, International Science Film Festival Athens, 2010
* Official Selection, Vancouver International Film Festival, 2010
* Official Selection, London Film Festival, 2010
"Intellectually dazzling! A superbly realized look at the promise, problems and ethics of robotics. A great conversation piece and a refreshingly open and nonjudgmental survey of scientists at work and in debate.” – Variety
2010, 91 Minutes
Purchase: $310 | Classroom Rental: $125
The idea of intelligent machines has captivated humankind's imagination since the dawn of time. But recent breakthroughs have the potential of turning this fantastical dream into reality. Plug and Pray takes us on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence - a field of study where computer technology, robotics, biology, neuroscience, and developmental psychology converge - exploring not only the latest advancements and developments, but the ethical and philosophical questions raised along the way.
Fifty years ago, computers in their current form were the stuff of science fiction. Today, we rely upon them to control the electric grid, fly planes, store our collective knowledge, fight our wars, communicate with friends, and teach our children. The next generation of technology researchers envision robots as the future. From adult-sized, flesh-toned babysitters to nano-robots that circulate in our cells improving our DNA, robots will be good for us. At least that's the assumption of scientists in labs in Boston, Genoa, Tokyo, and Hamburg as they move relentlessly forward with their cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence.
Plug and Pray features interviews with scientists, engineers and established experts in this field, including American inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil (named one of sixteen "revolutionaries who made America") and former MIT professor Joseph Weizenbaum, a pioneer in the field of AI who has since become one of its harshest critics
Deeply fascinating and occasionally frightening, Plug and Pray is an enlightening foray into what's possible today and where it may lead us tomorrow.
Subjects & Collections
Festivals & Awards
* Opening Night Selection, Margaret Mead Film Festival New York, 2010* Winner, Grand Prix du Jury for Best Film, International Science Film Festival Paris, 2010
* Winner, Science Communication Award, International Science Film Festival Athens, 2010
* Official Selection, Vancouver International Film Festival, 2010
* Official Selection, London Film Festival, 2010
Reviews
" Highly recommended . [An] intriguing and thought-provoking film ...This production would be an excellent resource for classes from computer science, to ethics, to futurism." - Educational Media Reviews Online"Intellectually dazzling! A superbly realized look at the promise, problems and ethics of robotics. A great conversation piece and a refreshingly open and nonjudgmental survey of scientists at work and in debate.” – Variety