I’ve recently come across a rather intriguing sci-fi short film called Ensouled last year at FilmQuest as an awards judge and it definitely deserves your attention if you get a chance to come across it as they continues their film festival run!
Deep within the enigmatic Eternia facility, Clara carries a heavy burden of concealed grief. But within these mysterious walls, her life is about to transform in ways she never imagined.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
In 2014, during a work trip to Japan, Asimo, the cutting-edge robot of that time, triggered an unexpected unease that lingered, revealing my sensitivity to the Uncanny Valley. This unsettling encounter sparked my deep dive into the fusion of human emotions and technology, later shaping the essence of Ensouled.
While the film doesn’t directly draw from my experiences as a third-culture kid, it reflects a common thread in much of my work — the exploration of identity. Collaborating with Fabrizio (co-writer) enriched this exploration. Together, we delved into the emotional landscape of AI and human connection.
Ensouled is a personal journey, unfolding in a mysterious realm that blurs the lines between the organic and the artificial. We aimed to challenge the audience to question what it means to be truly alive, allowing the film to invite reflection on the complexities of loss, grief, and the ever-evolving concept of identity in a thought-provoking, sci-fi setting. Our hope is to spark a dialogue about how our humanity, with all its flaws, influences what we create.
DIRECTOR’S BIO
Moe Najati is a versatile filmmaker with over a decade of experience in documentaries, fiction films, and commercials. His multicultural background, blending British, Syrian, and Lebanese heritage, along with his upbringing in Dubai and current residence in London, enhances his understanding of diverse cultures and human emotions.
His works have been showcased at prestigious festivals, including those qualifying for the Academy, BAFTA, and BIFA. Moe’s latest short, Ensouled, has recently been nominated for Best Short Sci-Fi at FilmQuest 2023 and screened at the New York Shorts International Film Festival in the US. The film will continue its festival run throughout the 2023-24 season.
Earlier in 2023, Moe’s previous film Stealing Kind premiered at the renowned Manchester Film Festival. Before that, Uproar, his film exploring the intricate gender dynamics within Havana’s Rumba scene, garnered recognition as one of the top ten short documentaries at Sheffield Doc/Fest, as acknowledged by Directors Notes. Moe is in development of two feature films, driven by his passion for bringing compelling stories to the big screen.
While devoted to independent cinema, Moe’s creative vision has also been sought after by renowned brands such as Cadillac, Alfa Romeo, Red Bull, Canon, and Lenovo.
Moe’s commissioned docu-series It’s Possible, was recognized as an Official Webby Award Honoree and received the Silver Dolphin at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards. The series achieved success at Dubai Lynx 2022, securing Grand Prix and Bronze awards in entertainment.
Ensouled will be playing next at the Boston Sci-Fi Fest on February 14 and have its European premiere at the Crystal Palace Film Festival on February 20.
PRESS CONTACT
Moe Najati
Stalker Films
moe@moenajati.com