Director’s Concept Statement

Innovation is a superhero in the canon of contemporary American mythos. It is the heart of cutting edge research that saves lives through ground-breaking surgeries and stronger, better medicines. It is the brains of exciting technology that connects cultures from across the globe. Innovation is one of the most common buzzwords of our time, embodying a sense of forward motion, technological advancement and better living through science. Innovation is a shining light deep in the heart of our American psyche, saving us from the perils of our deeply troubled mortality. Yet, like so many of our American superheroes, innovation has an Achilles heel. One that when underestimated or exploited can open the door to great misfortune. The only way to yield the power of innovation safely is to do so with a strong ethical conscience, a morality that is willing to sacrifice all that sparkling possibility if it may mean the potential for the catastrophic. Science and technology do not exist in a vacuum, choices made with a blind eye destroy lives, communities and sometimes even our own humanity. The best of intentions is not enough. What is needed is conscience. When we are not vigilant, when we follow the brilliant light of innovation without a strong moral compass, the light transforms into something phantom, a ghost of what we intended. Spreading only darkness and despair in its wake.

SPINE:

Conscience is often blinded by the dazzling potential of innovation.

METAPHORS/IDEAS:

  • Seeming one thing transforming into another
  • Consuming the poison, little by little
  • Lies, the media, the hype

IMAGES:

  • Brilliant light, Phantom glow on everything
  • Young and Alive, dying and ghosts
  • Paint brushes, lips, mouths, fingertips- glowing
  • Suits, ties, skirts, hair scarves
  • Factory table, business office closed door, windows in and out

POLARITIES:

  • Seeing the truth vs. turning a blind eye
  • Best of intentions vs. it’s not against the law so why shouldn’t we do it
  • Multiple responsibilities vs. higher responsibilities
  • Girls vs. business men

JOURNEYS:

  • Young and full of life to dying
  • In control to losing control
  • Believing in the lie into seeing the truth