Allow me to start with a quote by Peter Drucker, a renowned management consultant, educator, and author; he stated, “No one can predict the future; the best way to predict the future is to create one.” The statement resonates with the creation of futuristic narratives in movies, which play a crucial role in shaping a desirable future. This statement holds true when we reflect on past futuristic movies like “Back to the Future,” “Tomorrow’s Land,” “The Jetsons,” “Star Trek,” and many others, which showcased futuristic gadgets. At the time, these gadgets were merely a product of imagination, and many believed it was impossible to prove their effectiveness.
No one can predict the future; the best way to predict the future is to create one.
Peter Drucker
Today, we are able to witness some of these gadgets have become reality as technologies are converging and advancing, such as smartphones, video conferencing, flying cars, robots, laser cutting apparatus, and magnetic levitation. In foresight studies, all of these technologies have progressed through various stages of development. From the “imagined future,” where everyone can see and understand the idea, to the “possible future,” where they can be theoretically proven, to the “plausible future,” where collective arguments and evidence support their viability, and finally to the prototyping and commercialisation stages.
Without a doubt, movies have inspired viewers from all walks of life with their imagination and empowered every individual with relevant knowledge and skills to embark on their journey to make it. The power of social media (communities of interest), open-source software, the gradual decrease in technology costs, and the liberalisation of knowledge are among the factors that could accelerate independent innovators and inventors in bringing their movie ideas to life.
In addition, movies are a form of scenario where any interested parties, such as the government or business entity, could explore potential impacts and implications and reflect their current readiness if it happens. Movies like Captain Philips (2013) tackle the real-life threat of piracy, The Day After Tomorrow (2004) addresses climate change, and Contagion (2011) and Outbreak (1995) demonstrate the health system’s readiness against pandemic such as COVID-19.
Furthermore, movies inspire people to strive for greatness in their pursuits. A country such as Türkiye, in their quest to become a global space industry player, displays their power of grit, like the movie “the Interstellar,” and the success story is further explained in the magazine.Nevertheless, the realisation of ideas from movies that initially attempt to address today’s challenges may lead to unintended consequences. Concerns with the advancement of technologies could have an impact on gradually eroding some aspects of human abilities due to high dependency on technology. Since the first industrial revolution, machines have taken over physical tasks previously performed by humans, and today, the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially taken away the ability to think for humans.
In conclusion, the interplay between cinematic imagination and technological advancement is a testament to human creativity and innovation. As we continue to draw inspiration from the visionary worlds depicted in movies, we must also remain vigilant about the potential consequences of our technological pursuits. By fostering a balanced approach that embraces both the promise and the perils of innovation, we can ensure that the future we create is not only technologically advanced but also human-centric and sustainable. Let us continue to dream, innovate, and shape a future that reflects the best of our collective aspirations.
by MOHD NURUL AZAMMI MOHD NUDRI
