Nano puts together a narrative that oozes with swanky graphics, technical prowess and a storytelling befitting a top-drawer sci-fi flick to the extent of leaving you surprised when it ends at a mere sixteen minutes. Now this isn't a shortcoming, but a strength suggesting how the film has a premise and subject worthy of a longer project. The story is set in a futuristic society where nanotechnology has advanced far enough to be able to control a being's, humans or their pets, genetic makeup. While it may be all fun and games to alter your hair or eye colour at will, there indeed lies a much darker reality underneath it all. <br><br> Though the government may be set to roll out an update that can potentially render all free will useless (surprise, surprise), there is a group of ethical hackers trying to fight against it, to ensure that human agency and individuality does not come under attack from technological developments. The film's attention to detail to the technology it discusses is worthy of mention, especially if you enjoy science fiction for its spectacular visuals, finesse of all the gadgets it brings to life and the manner in which the characters interact with it all. <br><br> The film packs a complete punch of thrill, suspense, action, stolen identities and valiant sacrifices. It is involving, engaging and invokes the age-old idea of technological advancement posing a huge threat to mankind. The question the film would leave you with is that amidst the differing views strewn across the spectrum of the debate, where would you find yourself located?

Nano | Short Film of the Day

Set in a world that is dominated more by shadows than light, by an all-pervasive sense of despair than prosperity, and by a potential crumbling of a familial structure as opposed to the intimacy one might associate with the space, 'Cera' takes you headlong into its world right from the word go. When the film opens, a violent event has already occurred. <br><br> Our protagonist, John (Jason Isaacs) is in a desperate frenzy to get urgent medical aid for his wife who lies on the floor, bleeding profusely. Amidst it all, the overpowering presence of Cera never truly leaves the viewer even though she is absent from the visuals unfolding before you so far. The story develops gradually to reveal its dystopic world of artificial intelligence gone terribly wrong. <h2>Of the film's setting and casting, director John Robinson Irwin says, "We shot outside of a small town, a couple hours north of Los Angeles. The logistics around getting a cast and crew of 20 people up there, finding a place for them to stay and keeping the budget around a level that wouldn’t break me, was quite a challenge. 

The fact that Jason Isaacs was delighted to be in the short was truly unbelievable. He was so humble and incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. It was marvelous to work with a true professional like him, someone with such an absolute love of the craft and a clear understanding of what makes a compelling story."</h2>

It is also worthy of note that though similar themes have been a subject of exploration previously in film and media, Irwin brings his own unique voice to the subject. 

<h2>When asked what are the motivations behind exploring its darker aspects, he replies,
"I have two kids and as I’ve watched them grow up, I’ve noticed how many apps, technology and devices we have to help our life feel a little more organized. There are all these new services and technology, but there’s also plenty of distraction keeping us from actually connecting with people. I realized I wanted to tell a high-stakes story of a family putting trust in the wrong places and only realizing the connection they’ve lost with those they care for the most."</h2>

It is indeed this dependency on technology that gets amplified and portrayed in John's young daughter Hailey's relationship with Cera, the AI caregiver of the child. As truly disturbing events come to be, perhaps orchestrated by Cera herself, the plot plants its feet firmly into the ground, ensuring the viewer has now reached a point of no return. 

<br><br>Interestingly, the film is intended to be a proof of concept for a longer project titled North End. 

<h2> Irwin describes the latter as being "more focused on this family who has built a life around avoiding relationships, but is then forced to connect with each other after being flung in such a traumatic situation. John and Hailey’s best hope for survival is to stay on the water and get as far from civilization as possible until they know the extent of what’s happening... He’s just gone through hell to get himself and Hailey to safety and the hardest thing he has to do now is forge a relationship with his own daughter. As the two head further and further up river, they start to piece together what’s happening, and what they inevitably have to do to stay together." </h2>

At its close, the film presents to you the visuals of a despondent rural space as the father-daughter duo make their escape against a horizon dotted with aircrafts, ensuring that the question about their fate never truly leaves you, even long after you are done watching the short film.

Cera | Short Film of the Day

A man finds himself stranded in a desolate corner of outer space with only a 'robot butler', as he calls it, for company. Consequently, the story is allowed to develop in a situation where resources are scant, human company is absent and the chances of survival are uncertain. From rants about his hapless fate to struggles with the only presence around him, the robot, the protagonist engages with them all. However, despite the difficulties the circumstance has already offered to him, things begin to worsen. 

<br><br>Along with the emotional and mental isolation, the threat of perhaps an external force interfering in the protagonist's chances of survival also begins to stick its head out within the narrative. In the process of weaving the story for the viewer, the various elements present forth a dedicated whole for the audience to engage with. 

<br><br>As matters come to a head with the protagonist running out of food and unable to truly comprehend the true nature of his little robot friend, what shocking developments await both him and the viewer?

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