A film screening, followed by a discussion and open forum about artificial intelligence will be held today from 7 to 11pm at Spazju Kreattiv’s Cinema Room, St James Cavalier, Valletta.

The film Her, directed by Spike Jonze, uses a familiar idea to sci-fi fans – machine sentience – and spins it in a new and exciting direction. Set in a near-future, real-world setting, Her follows professional letter-writer Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) through the final stages of his divorce. In his vulnerable state of loneliness he buys a state-of-the-art operating system designed to mimic human consciousness: Samantha.

Entranced by Samantha’s ability to learn and evolve, he becomes increasingly attached to spending time discovering her secrets. As a romantic relationship between man and machine develops, the protagonist struggles with society’s prejudices about being in love with a computer. Can he overcome his internal conflict and find happiness and a future with Samantha?

The event forms part of CineXjenza – a series of activities supported by the STEAM project and run by the Malta Chamber of Scientists in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv and S-Cubed – CineXjenza gives members of the public the opportunity to discuss and share their thoughts on artificial intelligence, the future of technology and meaning of autonomy, and the philosophy of what it means to be human.

The evening will be facilitated by experienced science communicators with input from leading researchers from the University of Malta.  

Attendance to the event is free of charge. For more information, visit https://www.kreattivita.org/en/event/her-cinexjenza-2018-19/ .