Immortality or Bust

Immortality or Bust is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary film released in 2019. It trails the Transhumanist movement's most famous figure, Zoltan Istvan, and his scientifically curious entourage as they traverse America on an eccentric and unforgettable journey in "The Immortality Bus". The film captures Zoltan's ambitious campaign trail when he ran for the U.S presidency in 2016 with the aim of spreading awareness about Transhumanism, a socio-political movement that seeks to utilize science and technology to radically enhance human biology and existence.

Directed by Daniel Sollinger, this captivating film effortlessly combines the genres of biography, documentary, and drama. It includes moving interviews and dynamic conversations, with well-known figures such as comedian Jimmy Dore, activist William Faloon, and social engineer Jacque Fresco making appearances.

Immortality or Bust strives to introduce the audience to the compelling vision of Transhumanism, which forecasts a future where humans might live indefinitely through advancements in biohacking, regenerative medicine, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology. The film effectively structures its narrative around Zoltan Istvan's bold political run for the presidency, during which the science writer and philosopher carefully crafts his platform centered on the promise and potential of science and technology. He's shown campaigning from the visionary Immortality Bus, a unique symbol aiming to challenge death and aging.

In featuring interviews with the likes of Jimmy Dore, a progressive commentator, the film leads the viewer through gripping commentary on the societal and political implications of such immediate and drastic evolution of the human species. These discussions range from potential inequality concerns to ethical considerations and delve into the heart of what it means to be human in a potential post-human era.

Moreover, the film offers an in-depth look into the ideals and beliefs of William Faloon, a dedicated life extension activist and co-founder of the Life extension Foundation. His understanding of the transhumanist movement and its potential ramifications for societal health and longevity adds another layer to this intellectually stimulating film.

The late Jacque Fresco, a visionary futurist, and founder of The Venus Project, enriches the documentary with his profound insights. Before his demise in 2017, Fresco spent most of his life working on ideas and designs for a sustainable future, and his ideas have left a significant impact on the Transhumanist movement being discussed in Immortality or Bust.

Daniel Sollinger curates these powerful voices and unprecedented perspectives to provide a comprehensive look at a movement pushing the boundaries of human existence. While Zoltan's campaign did not result in his attaining the presidency, his mission and character are undoubtedly captivating, and the film becomes more about Zoltan as a passionate, charismatic advocate of transhumanism.

Sollinger manages to build a compelling narrative that stretches beyond the emblematic person of Zoltan. As it navigates across America, it isn't just his campaign that's under scrutiny; the film critically evaluates the varying public reactions to groundbreaking yet controversial concepts: radical life extension, cognitive enhancement, and morphological freedom.

Combining stunning cinematography with a moving narrative, Immortality or Bust raises profound questions about the moral, ethical, and societal implications of Transhumanism. It offers a compelling, panoramic view of a movement that aims to radically transform our notions about life, aging, mortality, and human potential.

In essence, Immortality or Bust invites viewers to delve into the fascinating world of Transhumanism, prompting them to reflect upon their own beliefs about life, death, and the limits of human potential. This tour-de-force documentary is for anyone interested in the future of humanity, science, technology, and the interplay between them.