In 2023, Silicon Valley was in the midst of a significant evolution, driven by major tech firms striving to emulate OpenAI's triumph with ChatGPT and Twitter's rebranding to X under Elon Musk. Meanwhile, nearly 3,000 miles away in New York City, two young filmmakers were grappling with these changes and sought to capture their reflections on the current state of technology—so they decided to make a movie.
"It was deeply personal," shared 25-year-old James Hyland with Business Insider. "We aimed to create something that resonated with our experiences and the world around us. This journey led us to themes of artificial intelligence and the disconnection it breeds."
Together with Myles Flusser, age 26, Hyland co-created "Anna by the Window," a coming-of-age drama that delves into the complexities of grief and the impact technology has on human relationships during an age defined by generative AI. The pair wrote, directed, and produced the film in 2023, collaborating with friends through their production company, Baggysuit.
"Anna by the Window" navigates themes of growing up, emotional loss, and the challenges of connecting in a tech-dominated landscape. Flusser expressed concern about how the leaders of platforms like YouTube and Instagram appear unfazed by the encroachment of AI-generated content. "It fascinates and frightens me at the same time," he admitted.
As digital natives, Hyland and Flusser have witnessed firsthand the effects of smartphones and social media on their generation. Recently, the US Surgeon General recommended that social media platforms carry warning labels due to their mental health consequences. Earlier this year, Meta settled allegations from several states claiming their platforms were designed to addict minors.
This overwhelming digital landscape has prompted some young people to gravitate towards neo-Luddite movements, advocating for a return to genuine, in-person interactions.
Hyland is involved with a neo-Luddite group called The Lamp Club. While "Anna by the Window" wasn't directly influenced by this movement, it reflects similar concerns.
"There’s a shared vision between our film and this larger movement growing across the nation, where individuals are increasingly frustrated with technological systems," Hyland noted.
The film crew started screening "Anna by the Window" in July. It tells the story of Ryan, a teenager who ventures to New York City to reconnect with his AI startup founder brother, James. The project was filmed across New York State and incorporated various innovative techniques, including the use of ElevenLabs AI audio software and segments of a real ChatGPT chatbot that underwent "hallucinations" during production.
Hyland described the AI chatbot in the film as playing a "quirky" role, often veering into nonsensical territory, resulting in it delivering multilingual utterances and errors. Flusser articulated their desire to authentically reflect the unsettling aspects of AI interactions, although they preferred traditional filming methods for the bulk of the project, relying on a Sony camera, scripted outlines, and improvisation.
"The peculiarities and sense of alienation prompted by chatbots and AI were central to what we aimed to convey," Flusser said.
While parts of the narrative are fictional, the directors infused personal experiences into their work. Flusser revealed that his brother's recent passing influenced the film's emotional depth. "There’s a pivotal moment between the two brothers that echoes my own life experiences," he revealed. However, he clarified that the character of James is not a direct representation of his brother, describing him instead as someone struggling with reality and using technology in a misguided attempt to find solace.
The cinematic landscape is increasingly interested in the lives of tech entrepreneurs, with films featuring figures like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elizabeth Holmes. "Anna by the Window" now joins these narratives that scrutinize the tech industry.
"When we began filming, we were curious about AI, but by the end, our perspective turned quite cynical," Flusser said.
Throughout the filmmaking process, both Hyland and Flusser experienced the surreal evolution of AI. They originally viewed their film as speculative fiction about artificial intelligence. "Now, it feels like reality has caught up with us, and what was once science fiction seems all too real," Flusser reflected.
The "Anna by the Window" team began showing the film in summer in New York City and the Hudson Valley, with more screenings scheduled in Los Angeles this November. The film will be available for streaming on Dolph starting December 15.
