I Am Human

What does it really mean to be human? This documentary presents cases that make us rethink our definition of humanity. Anne is struggling with Parkinson’s disease; Stephen is blind; Bill is paralyzed. To overcome their severe limitations, every one of them undergoes a complicated, state-of-the-art procedure that connects their brain to a computer. This turns them into cyborgs, hybrids of living organisms and machines, creatures straight from science fiction. The story of the transformation of the three protagonists is the starting point for reflections on the future evolution of the human species, in which computers will play an increasingly important role. Although the film mentions potential threats, its overall take is optimistic. The film’s form—aesthetically pleasing images of futuristic equipment, buildings, and interiors, and electronic music with an undercurrent of muted excitement—only strengthens this.