I Am Human

What it means to be human will soon be drastically altered with advancements in neurotechnology, leading to an incomprehensible cohesion between man and machine. I Am Human offers a glimpse of what this technical evolution entails, following three individuals with neurological disorders: one rendered tetraplegic after a bike accident, one battling Parkinson’s Disease, and one with late-onset blindness. Each subject undergoes experimental brain interface treatment, which involves direct stimulation from surgically inserted electrodes. Progress is slow but the picture is clear: as disease and disabilities fuel innovation and expanded capabilities, the ethical quandaries of a cognitive revolution are imminent. With incredible access and thoughtful probing, filmmakers Taryn Southern and Elena Gaby unpack the complexities of this emerging field in technology. From covert government operations and questions of regulation to the philosophy behind our sense of self, I Am Human charts the real world possibilities of melding artificial and human intelligence. (Tribeca Film Festival)