Ai-resisting retirees steal the show at sxsw
The future of storytelling may hinge on a surprising source: a scrappy, ten-minute mockumentary about Indian retirees defying automation. We Were Here, written and directed by Pranav Bhasin, has emerged as a standout at this year’s SXSW festival, not just for its humor—imagine an elderly man duct-taped to the back of a minivan, miming curb proximity—but for its timely and surprisingly poignant commentary on artificial intelligence.
Andrew scott champions emerging voices
The film’s ascent has been further amplified by its championing by acclaimed actor Andrew Scott, who serves as the face and executive producer for Redbreast Unhidden, SXSW’s showcase for short films from emerging filmmakers. Scott's involvement underscores a crucial point: while the festival buzzed with AI startups and algorithmic innovation, We Were Here offered a refreshing dose of genuine human connection, a quality increasingly rare and valuable in a rapidly automated world.
“It’s about supporting filmmakers,” Scott explained to Esquire, emphasizing the initiative’s mission to provide a platform for international talent. This year, he expanded his role beyond ambassador, opting to executive produce Bhasin’s next project, a clear signal of his belief in the film’s potential.
The selection process wasn't easy. Scott, impeccably dressed in a cream suit, admitted to being impressed by all five films screened, describing them as possessing “very different tones and subject matter.” But he ultimately sought a filmmaker exhibiting “confidence, whether quiet or audacious,” a quality he believes Bhasin embodies. His own journey—from a young actor learning the ropes on set to a star of acclaimed series like Sherlock and Fleabag—has instilled in him a deep appreciation for mentorship.
He recalls Donal Donnelly, an Irish actor who offered guidance during his early career. “He was incredibly kind to everybody on the set,” Scott remembered. “When you’re on a set for the first time, you’re learning how to be. If somebody is behaving badly, you think, ‘Maybe that’s how I should behave.’ He was the opposite. He was gracious and kind, and taught me things.” It’s a lesson Scott now actively puts into practice, paying forward the support he received.
The uncertain future of cinema
The celebration of human storytelling feels particularly vital given the precarious state of the film industry. Massive corporate mergers and dwindling attention spans threaten to stifle creativity and marginalize independent voices, while AI looms as a potential replacement for human artistry. The question isn't merely whether movies can compete with algorithms delivering instant gratification, but whether they can retain their relevance at all.
But We Were Here, and the broader spirit of Redbreast Unhidden, offer a potent counterargument. These films, often born from humble beginnings and fueled by unwavering passion, demonstrate the enduring power of authentic human expression. They explore universal themes—connection, belonging, the weight of love—in ways that no machine can replicate.
“When someone tells you a story with imagination and flair and confidence, it makes you feel less alone,” Scott stated, underscoring the profound impact of genuine storytelling. As Scott put it regarding Bhasin's work, “Sometimes there can be extraordinary talents that have not been told, or had the spotlight shined on them to say, nurture this.”
Scott’s advice to aspiring filmmakers transcends the specifics of We Were Here. “You gotta be yourself,” he concludes. “There’s no point in being an artist if you’re not gonna show us who you are, in whatever way you can.”