The Immortalists

September 29, 2014

The BFI London Film festival this year includes the UK premiere of the film “The Immortalists”. The showing on Saturday 18th October in the Ritzy Cinema, Brixton, provides a good opportunity for members of London Futurists to view the film and then discuss it afterwards. During the discussion we’ll be joined by David Alvarado, co-director of the film.

To book tickets in advance, visit the BFI web page for the film. Tickets cost £13.75 per person.

About the film:

From https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=immortalists

The Immortalists – A riveting account of two remarkable scientists set on finding a way to prolong life.

‘Cure ageing… or die trying.’ So goes the rallying call of Bill Andrews, the American scientist searching for a solution to the great inevitable. A health-conscious runner, his approach contrasts sharply with the methods of his British counterpartAubrey de Grey, a magnificently bearded, beer-swilling theoretical biologist. The science is fascinating, with complex theories spun out through onscreen animation. And the moral and social implications are certainly meaty.

But it is the characters themselves who are the most compelling element of this film. As we spend time with these radical biologists the personal reasons for their quests emerge, with particularly touching scenes detailing their parental relationships. And, like many a high-functioning brainiac, they possess a cadre of peccadilloes, none more so than de Grey, whose views on polyamory and al fresco lovemaking seamlessly flow into a philosophy that both men share – the absolute and defiant desire to live.

Logistics:

The Ritzy is located in the heart of Brixton and is easily accessible by public transport.

Address: The Ritzy, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Ln, London SW2 1JG.

For more details on how to travel to the Ritzy, see the cinema website.

After-film discussion:

We’ll be meeting in a bar located close to the cinema – still to be decided. (Suggestions welcome!)

David Alvarado of Structure Films, the co-director and co-producer of the film, has kindly agreed to join us for at least part of this discussion.