Symbiosis competition took place during the 17th edition of the Science New Wave Festival (Oct 18-25). Scientist-filmmaker pairs presented their process and early footage midway on October 21. The films premiere both in-person and on Labocine on the Closing Night, October 25. The Symbiosis initiative is supported by the Simons Foundation.
by Penelope Lindsay & Nora Long
To know every plant, even when time is of the essence. To produce careful work, even in the face of systemic, external, and internal pressures. To maintain joy, even when the future looks bleak. To know and love corn. A journey across time, space, and along the history of the maize plant, No Two Plants explores resilience and different ways of knowing.
WINNER OF SYMBIOSIS 2024
by Janna Kyllästinen & Maya Theresia Laughton
Noumenon is an experimental short film reflecting on the relation between reality and perception from a neuroscience perspective, and its parallels with the Hindu concept of maya, or cosmic illusion. Neuroscientist Anil K. Seth narrates his concept of controlled hallucination – how all perceptions are active constructions, brain-based best guesses at the nature of a world that is forever obscured behind a sensory veil. Through story and classical South Indian temple dance, known as Bharatanatyam, the film weaves in the Hindu philosophy of ‘maya’ – the powerful force sustaining the cosmic illusion of the phenomenal world as real.
Still from Noumenon
by Courtlin Byrd & Michelle Corkrum
A sociologist and a neurologist walk into a park…and a meditation on the mind’s ability to meet obstacles and form new pathways begins….
Still from Obstacle/Pathway
by Elodie Freymann & Phillip Gladkov
_unquantifiable_ presents a nine-month observational study of Homo sapiens, focusing on individual H.2218, a human being in an urban setting. Using three methodologies — systematic behavioral observations, a neural-psycho resonance interface, and subjective interviews — the authors examine human behavior, revealing a tendency for solitary activities, repetitive tasks, and fleeting social interactions. However, the study reveals hidden layers of human motives and emotions that can’t be explained, leaving the true nature of humanity just out of reach. . .
Still from Unquantifiable
by Jaime Sunwoo & Sromana Mukherjee
Ommatidia is an experimental tutorial on genetically manipulating the retina of fruit flies to alter signals from the eye to the brain. This hybrid documentary depicts the perspective of the neuroscientist and the fly as they meet eye to eye.
Still from Ommatidia
by Sebastian Orbell & Hanae Utamura
‘In the Atom’ explores the strangeness inherent in both the human condition, and within the structure of reality. A dialogue between British Quantum physicist Sebastian, Japanese artist Hanae, and future beings. Through chimeric visuals and poetic narrative, the film examines the arcane role of observation in both our understanding of reality and our experience of mortality.
Still from In The Atom
Cover photo by Florencia Silva Garcia (taken at the Symbiosis Lab Meeting on October 21, 2024 - Caveat)
A heartfelt thank you to Symbiosis Director Lauren Vetere and the entire Symbiosis team, as well as our partner, The Simons Foundation.
