In the animated film “Arco” by Ugo Bienvenu, two different future scenarios are portrayed. The storyline follows a young boy who accidentally travels back in time from the year 2932 to 2075. In the distant future, the world is suffering from climate disasters and rising sea levels, making it nearly uninhabitable. On the other hand, the near future he lands in is facing its own challenges, including a looming forest fire on the outskirts of a village.
According to Bienvenu and co-producer Natalie Portman, these contrasting futures serve as reflections of potential paths for humanity. They view the film as a source of inspiration for the younger generation and a reminder of the power of ideas in shaping our future.
Portman emphasizes the importance of not succumbing to fatalistic thinking about the future, whether overly optimistic or pessimistic. Instead, she highlights the need for imagination, creativity, and human innovation to drive positive change.
“Arco” has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Best Animated Feature at the European Film Awards and receiving a nomination in the same category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. For Bienvenu, the film’s message revolves around the idea that sometimes, accepting defeat can lead to eventual victory, echoing the sentiment that “From wrong comes the right.”