Wednesday, March 10, 2010
PIA: android finds love after death
San Francisco, 2063. A service android brand-named PIA has replaced the majority of third tier labor in the United States. Hospital nurses, hotel workers and other maintenance driven industries all use the sleek, black-clad, human-organ powered machine to supplement their human workforce.
Syama and Rakesh Raval appear on the path to a bright future together. But before they can realize their dreams, Rakesh is struck down by a sudden heart failure. Overcome with grief, Syama agrees to donate Rakesh’s organs to future technology research.Two years later, a load of unregistered PIA robots bound for the black market are discovered in the cargo hold of an abandoned truck by the San Francisco police department. The PIAs are left in the evidence room overnight, where one of the units flickers on. Distorted images appear and skitter across the robot’s memory screen. The android wanders out of the building and through the San Francisco night with a purpose, eventually ending up inside Syama’s apartment.Startled by the intrusion, Syama grabs a weapon and intercepts the malfunctioning service android. In a tense standoff, Syama corners the PIA and interrogates it. Speaking with a fragmented memory and a fractured voice, the PIA android reveals the secret of her mysterious and sudden appearance.PIA is a futuristic love story that challenges the viewer to reconsider the meaning of humanity, relationships, and family.
It is always a special treat when I unexpectedly find (or am referred to), as I often do, great cinema like this fascinating story titled PIA, deftly written and directed by Tanuj Chopra. Even better when it is also sci-fi. I’m thrilled to see that there are so many exceptional short films being made, but it’s unfortunate that so few of them get the exposure and attention they deserve.
P I A is an astounding independent science fiction short film project commissioned by ITVS (Independent Television Service) as part of their new “FUTURESTATES” initiative, in which 11 filmmakers are given the opportunity to present an original vision of the American future in a short film.
In the near future, advanced, organic-hybrid service androids, imported from India, have replaced the human labor force in the United States.
When a woman in mourning encounters a mysterious wandering service android, she begins to redefine her conceptions of humanity, relationships, and family.An excellent display of minimalism in storytelling.
I’m especially impressed with Pia Shah’s noteworthy portrayal of the title character android in multiple variations.
Vibrantly subtle & sublime, PIA revels in the glory of the human spirit, as a testament to the transcendent power & beauty of authentic love exceeding the boundaries of conventional expectation.
