Future tense?
Human-machine hybrids. Colonies on the moon. Flying cars, nanobots and animal organ donors.
If these sound like far-fetched notions, then consider: 50 years ago the idea that we’d live in a world of pocket-sized telephones, portable music libraries, global computer networks and robotic assembly lines was the province of pure science fiction. The future keeps catching up with us.
Human beings are obsessed with trying to predict what will come tomorrow – and these efforts tell us much about who we are today.
I Prophesy: The Future Revealed, a new documentary anthology series from VisionTV, takes a critical look at the predictions of present-day oracles.
Produced for VisionTV by some of Canada’s leading independent production companies, the I Prophesy documentaries combine artful dramatizations, imaginative CGI sequences, and interviews with world renowned scientists, authors and intellectuals: from influential futurist Ray Kurzweil to self-described “skeptical environmentalist” Bjorn Lomborg.
How will our society, our culture and our technology change in the years to come? What will it mean – physically, mentally and spiritually – to be human in this brave new world?
The I Prophesy documentaries consider some of the possible futures that await us: from a world in which physical sex no longer exists and humans live for a thousand years, to doomsday scenarios in which our civilization is erased by asteroid collisions or epic floods. |
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Toronto-based interactive media production company The Secret Location (www.thesecretlocation.com) has created an online extension of the series that will allow visitors to take a journey of self-discovery through interactive exploration, gaming and live chat.
Said Joan Jenkinson, the Executive Producer and concept creator of I Prophesy: The Future Revealed: “This series draws upon an extraordinary array of sources – from the Bible and other ancient texts, from today’s headlines and from works of visionary science fiction – to help viewers understand the possible futures that await humankind. We are privileged to have worked with gifted documentary producers capable of taking these visions of tomorrow and bringing them vividly to life.” |
I Prophesy: The Future Revealed Episodes
 “Dude, Where’s My Flying Car?”
Hugo Award-winning Canadian science fiction novelist Robert J. Sawyer (Hominids) ponders which of our contemporary fantasies may end up as reality.
 “Death From Above”
In this episode, I Prophesy asks: can science prevent such a catastrophe? Can nations put aside their differences and unite to protect humankind from a killer in the skies?
 “Sex And Romance”
In this episode, I Prophesy asks: could technology spell the end of sex as we know it? Dr. James Hughes, a bioethicist and former Buddhist monk, believes neural implants and robotic partners could render physical intercourse a thing of the past.
 “Fountain of Youth”
In this episode of I Prophesy, we meet the unorthodox Cambridge University professor, who is searching for the means to reverse the aging process.
 “Mass Extinction”
In this episode, I Prophesy asks whether humanity is destined for the endangered species list. Produced by Henry Less Productions.
 “Cyborg”
As artificial intelligence advances, some futurists wonder whether human beings might themselves become part machine.
 “Nuclear 9-11”
Is the threat of nuclear terrorism real or imagined? Are nuclear devices within the reach of fanatical religious and political movements?
 “Thought Police”
In George Orwell’s 1984, an all-seeing state security apparatus tracks every move that citizens make. Just a cautionary sci-fi tale? Sure – until you consider how much your bank and credit cards reveal about you.
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 “2012”
On Dec. 21, 2012, the Mayan calendar ends. Could this be a prediction of the world’s doom? There are those who believe that this seemingly insignificant date will indeed bring global catastrophe.
 “Designing Humanity”
Advances in genetic engineering point toward a future in which we may be able to eliminate debilitating diseases and perfect the human body. But at what cost?
 “Apocalypse 2060”
Did Sir Isaac Newton decode a Biblical prophecy of global destruction? Produced by Arcadia Entertainment Inc.
 “Chasing Chimera”
Scientists have begun to explore the possibility of injecting animals with human DNA to create new forms of life. But these experiments raise grave ethical concerns. Produced by Henry Less Productions.
 “Superflood”
Could climate change turn the Biblical story of the great flood into a terrifying reality? Produced by Arcadia Entertainment Inc.
“Tiny Revolution”
The advance of nanotechnology could have startling implications – for the consumer products industries, for the environment, and for human health. Produced by Henry Less Productions.
“Cosmic Energy”
Some researchers believe cosmic rays are altering our climate, and may slow the progress of global warming. Produced by Henry Less Productions.
 “Journey From Earth”
Colonizing other worlds may be necessary to ensure the survival of the human race. Produced by Henry Less Productions.
 “Utopia”
Is it possible to create a perfect world? Produced by Arcadia Entertainment Inc.
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