By Amylou Ahava
As someone who uses writing as a form of income and also my passion, the growing ability of AI makes me concerned that someday my skills and abilities will become obsolete and be replaced by an app that will simply regurgitate an amalgamation of whatever the internet has already said. And with the ever-growing abilities of AI, writing positions are not the only jobs in jeopardy.
In THE BALLAD OF TITA AND THE MACHINES (directed by Miguel Angel Caballero) the narrative revolves around Tita (Laura Patalano), an elderly fieldworker who is forcibly assigned an artificial intelligence humanoid to assist her with her work as she has become deemed too old and slow to perform her job. However, Tita soon proves that her humanity and strength cannot be replaced by AI.
Despite its short runtime of less than 15 minutes, TITA AND THE MACHINES covers a remarkable breadth of important topics. The film navigates the themes and complexities of human-machine interactions, and it shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of elderly workers and how a human’s worth cannot be quantified.
The film's setting (reminiscent of Caballero's heritage as the son of Mexican immigrant farmworkers) adds a layer of authenticity to the story and grounds it in a recognizable reality. Patalano delivers a compelling performance as Tita, as she portrays her character with both humor and heart. Caballero's film takes a unique approach to the sci-fi genre by portraying an elderly, queer, arthritic farmworker as the protagonist. This unconventional choice adds depth to the story and highlights the increasing dependency on technology and the limitations of AI in certain tasks. Despite the advancements in AI, the film suggests that there are aspects of human labor that cannot be replicated by machines.
As we see Tita’s struggle to remain in the workplace, the short film raises thought-provoking questions about the future of AI and its impact on human society. It serves as a reminder that (despite the advancements in technology) there are aspects of humanity that cannot be replicated or replaced. After being deemed not suitable to work, a robot takes the place of Tita in the field, only soon to discover that fancy new technology fails in several areas. But will update after update finally get the AI to the point where it can replace Tita?
As we continue to integrate AI and other smart features into our lives, the film encourages us to consider the implications and to appreciate the unique qualities that make us human. Furthermore, the film's exploration of human obsolescence in the face of advancing technology is both poignant and timely. In a world where AI and automation are rapidly changing the workforce, (particularly when it comes to manual labor).
Additionally, the film subtly highlights the importance of immigrants in the American economy. Tita (an immigrant herself) represents the millions of immigrants who contribute to various industries (including farming). As the automated workforce struggles to find an AI capable of working in the same harsh conditions Tita (and many others) endured for decades, the narrative emphasizes the vital role immigrants play in sustaining and enriching the American workforce.
Tita's story is a testament to the resilience and hard work of immigrants and reminds us of their invaluable contributions to society. This thematic element adds depth to the film and draws parallels between Tita's struggle for recognition and the broader challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and valuing the contributions of immigrants to society. And as we all know, immigrants get the job done.
Overall, THE BALLAD OF TITA AND THE MACHINES is an interesting film that offers a fresh perspective on AI and human labor. The film's title itself is a clever play on words and suggests both a literal ballad of Tita and her machines and a metaphorical exploration of the intersection between humanity and technology.
With its engaging narrative and strong performances, the short challenges us to reconsider our relationship with technology and to recognize the irreplaceable aspects of human experience. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in sci-fi, technology, and the future of humanity.
THE BALLAD OF TITA AND THE MACHINES had its U.S. Premiere at the 2024 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.