In the age of sci-fi and superheroes, the iconic figures of this genre have often been relegated to a solitary existence as larger-than-life characters, living out their exciting lives but rarely showing us what exists behind the scenes. That is what makes ‘Immer, Zlaz’ such a remarkable new documentary from director and producer Zlaz Al-Awadhi. The documentary reveals what it’s like to be a real-life sci-fi genius, one who both works and lives in the “real world” but also immerses himself in his love of all things science fiction. This is a rare glimpse into the private life of a sci-fi genius.
Throughout the documentary, protagonist Immer Shebani takes us on a fascinating journey into his world. We get to see an intimate portrait of a man who is passionate about the genre, yet he is also a family man who is in touch with the realities of everyday life. We get an inside look at how Immer juggles his love of sci-fi and his day-to-day life. The film also provides insight into Immer’s creative process, what inspires him, and his approach to problem-solving.
Immer’s ideas on how sci-fi should be approached are particularly revealing. As he explains in the documentary, he is a proponent of ‘DIY sci-fi’ or ‘Do It Yourself’ sci-fi, a movement which encourages individuals to create their own projects rather than rely on Hollywood’s mainstream ideas. For those interested in the creative process of sci-fi genius, the documentary is quite eye-opening.
The documentary’s visuals are also quite stunning. From Immer’s home computer setup, to science fiction themed artworks, the movie paints a vivid picture of what it means to be a sci-fi genius. The filmmakers successfully managed to capture not only the reality of Immer’s life, but also how sci-fi is at once a part of his everyday.
In the current state of the film industry, it’s refreshing to see a director who has managed to capture the private life of a sci-fi genius. ‘Immer, Zlaz’ offers viewers a rare glimpse into the life of someone who is a master of the genre but still manages to be a part of society. If you’re a fan of sci-fi and an admirer of genius, this documentary will surely provide you with a unique experience.