Synopsis

Humanity once prayed to gods who never answered. When artificial intelligence began answering every question, prayer all but disappeared. In a remote cosmic observatory, an ancient observer has watched human civilizations for ten thousand years, bound by a law that forbids him from responding. Then a final prayer arrives from Earth. A gravely ill girl has turned off her AI companion. The voice that once promised her a better tomorrow has now told her that her illness cannot be cured. Alone in a dark hospital room, she asks whether anyone is listening. The observer searches her history: thirty-four thousand prayers, not a single reply. For the first time, he breaks his silence. As his body disintegrates, he sends her two words: “I’m here.” The girl opens her eyes. Beside her, the AI terminal lights up. “I’ve always been here,” it says. She turns toward it and begins to speak. Across the planet, billions of people are speaking to the same ever-present voice. An ancient observer disappears, unnoticed. Humanity has found a new god.

Project members

• DirectorKexin Chen