A cinematic project exists that no living person will ever see in a theater. The film, which has already been fully produced, sits inside a high-security vault that is programmed to open automatically exactly 100 years after its creation.
The project is a collaboration between actor John Malkovich and the cognac brand Louis XIII. It serves as a literal time capsule, with the final product inaccessible until November 18, 2115.
John Malkovich wrote the script and starred in the production. He told People magazine that he approached the project by contemplating the passage of time and the unknown nature of the future. “How was the world 100 years ago? What did people think about how it would be? How will the world be in 100 years, when I am no longer here?” Malkovich stated.
Secrets kept under glass
Details regarding the plot remain strictly confidential. According to Entertainment Weekly, the film is stored in a safe protected by bulletproof glass. The mechanism does not rely on keys or codes, but rather a timer that prevents access for a full century.
Robert Rodriguez directed the project. He initially believed he was filming a standard commercial for the brand. “I was doing several short films for them, and we filmed that first one, I thought it would be an ad or something like that,” Rodriguez said. “I showed them the film and they said, ‘Yeah, that’s great, that’s the one we are keeping.’”
While the main feature is locked away, the production team released three teaser trailers that imagine different versions of the future. These clips depict varying scenarios ranging from a technologically advanced paradise to a world dominated by robots. The teasers feature Malkovich, Shuya Chang, and Marko Zaror.
Despite the century-long wait for the premiere, some individuals have already secured their attendance. One thousand people have been issued metal tickets for the event. These invitations are designed to be passed down through generations, allowing the descendants of the original recipients to attend the screening 89 years from now.
