Film
Humanity has failed. While trying to avoid environmental collapse, governments invested heavily in genetic technology. It was nothing short of an utter failure, with lab-bred viruses spreading like wild fire, wiping out most edible plants and animals. In this hopeless world, Vesper dreams of a better tomorrow, and she is certain she can get there with her wits and skills in bio-hacking – and perhaps, also, with the help of a mysterious woman from one of the last oligarchist cities. After the electroshock that was Vanishing Waves, shown at the NIFFF and awarded with the Méliès d’Or in 2012, Kristina Buožytė and Bruno Samper push their sci-fi horizons even further with a dizzying post-apocalyptic film in which hope fuels everything. From its very start, one is spellbound by Vesper’s desolated world that contrasts with a wealth of ideas and a rich biodiversity. Powerful images, mesmerising actors, exhilarating story – Vesper is without a doubt one of this year’s most creative movies. Kristina Buožytė, born in 1982, studied at the Vilnius Academy of Music and Theatre. She graduated with a Master’s degree in 2008. She subsequently worked on many projects and got noticed for her short films, including Change the Record (2005) and The Collectress (2008). Versatile artist Bruno Samper, born in 1974, made a name for himself in design, digital arts, and interactive storytelling with augmented/virtual reality experiences. Vanishing Waves (2012) was their first collaborative exploit, followed by their segment in ABCs of Death 2 (2014). Vesper, their latest project, was shot at the height of the pandemic.