My thesis short film January 2211, is a 3D sci-fi animation set in Egypt under a totalitarian AI dictatorship. The story begins in Tahrir Square, Cairo, during the 2011 revolution against Hosny Mubarak’s 30-year dictatorship. The protagonist, involved in the protests, is knocked unconscious and transported into a dream-like realm where he meets OMNI Ra, an AI Pharaoh who promises a perfect Egypt governed by artificial intelligence. However, the protagonist soon realizes the future is not as perfect as it looks.
This work is deeply personal, reflecting my experiences growing up in Egypt and witnessing the events leading up to the 2011 revolution. I vividly recall the protests, the violence, and the hope that followed Mubarak’s resignation. However, Egypt’s political and economic instability, countless elections, and continuous leadership changes left the country in uncertainty. Inspired by the rise of AI technology, the idea of an AI-run government in Egypt emerged as a way to critique the ongoing cycle of failed leadership and broken promises. The title January 2211 suggests another uprising, 200 years after the 2011 revolution.
For production, I used AI motion capture for body animations, facial motion capture in Unreal Engine. I built Tahrir square in Blender using a Google maps plugin and reference images. Drawing inspiration from Orwell's "1984," the Seven Sleepers story, and Ancient Egyptian culture, I aimed to merge futuristic, ancient symbolism and political commentary. The Eye of Ra symbol in the story represents surveillance and protection, critiquing AI-driven governance and authoritarianism. My goal was to create a politically engaging work that highlights the dangers of AI leadership.
Exhibited and screened at GradEX 110 OCAD University
May 7-11 2025
Film Poster for promotion
Production Breakdown Video
My aim with this project was to create as much realism as possible under a budget. I built my own headrig for facial motion capture, used AI motion capture as it was the most convenient because there is no need for studio space or expensive mocap suit.
Pre Production
GRAD EX 110
Production Display Vitrine
(Still images, Concept Sketches, Production Breakdown, Business Cards, and Demo Reel)
Still Images from Screening
Audience watching during screening
Business Cards and Posters
