In the age of high-tech science fiction and its ubiquitous presence in our lives, it is often difficult to imagine the private person behind the creator. This is especially true for creators of some of the most beloved works in the genre. But the recent documentary, Immer, Zlaz, from director Lena Knauss, offers an intimate glimpse into the life of one such grand master of the genre.
The documentary follows the life story of the late Dr. Mirko Zlaz, a Ukrainian-German physicist, biochemist, and author of some of the most highly-regarded works in the science fiction genre. Zlaz’s life is narrated by his surviving family and close friends, as well as by contemporary science fiction authors. Through their insights, we learn not only of the incredible contributions that Zlaz made to the world of science and science fiction, but of his insatiable curiosity and humble and endearing demeanor.
The documentary also outlines the challenges that Zlaz faced throughout his life. From the war-torn Ukraine of his youth, to a disparate marriage, to the constant struggle of a mad scientist’s visionary ideas, Zlaz’s life was anything but easy. From his own personal battles, we gain a tremendous glimpse into the frustrations that come with working as a committed and dedicated scientist. One that is not only constantly pushing the boundaries of our scientific understanding, but is also frequently reviled for their heresy and unconventional ideas.
The documentary also details many of Zlaz’s unrealized dreams and ambitions. His greatest ambition was to collaborate with the Soviet Union’s Ministry of Science and Technology to further the development of their nuclear technology. While this collaboration never came to fruition, the dreams of this sci-fi genius live on in the form of his many works, which firmly hold their place among the greatest in the science fiction genre.
Ultimately, Immer, Zlaz is not only a tribute to a creative genius, but a thoughtful and profound exploration into the private life of a sci-fi master. It reveals not only the great contributions that Zlaz made to the world of science fiction, but also the immense challenges and determination that drove him throughout his lifetime. For anyone interested in gaining insight into the mind of a sci-fi genius, Immer, Zlaz is an essential viewing experience.