In the animated film “Arco” by writer and director Ugo Bienvenu, viewers are presented with a unique portrayal of two future timelines. The story revolves around a 10-year-old boy who accidentally travels back in time from the year 2932 to the near future of 2075.
The future world of 2932 depicted in the film is a bleak landscape ravaged by climate disasters and rising sea levels, making it nearly uninhabitable. In contrast, the 2075 timeline, although more familiar, is also under threat, with a massive forest fire looming on the outskirts of a village where the boy finds himself.
Bienvenu and actor Natalie Portman, who co-produced the film and appears in it, view these contrasting futures as reflections of potential outcomes for humanity. They see the film as a message of hope and a call to action for the younger generation to trust their instincts and ideas in shaping a better future.
Portman emphasizes the importance of not succumbing to fixed ideas about the future, whether overly optimistic or pessimistic, as both extremes can lead to passivity. Instead, she believes in the power of imagination, creativity, and human innovation to drive positive change.
“Arco” has received critical acclaim, winning the best animated feature at the European Film Awards and earning a nomination in the same category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. However, for Bienvenu, the film’s ultimate message is not about achieving definitive success but about the idea that sometimes, losing can pave the way for unexpected victories.