ROCKLAND — "The AI Doc, Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist, a stunning new documentary about one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity today," said Strand Theatre, in a news release, will be screened as part of the Points North Presents series at Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m., at the Strand Theatre. Admission is free for this first event in the new Points North series. 

The documentary, from the Academy Award winning filmmakers Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell (Everything Everywhere All at Once; Navalny) is told through Roher’s experience as a father-to-be on a quest to understand the world his child is about to inherit. As he grapples with the explosive risks and revolutionary potential of AI, Roher turns to the leading voices shaping and challenging the rise of this new technology (Sam Altman, Tristan Harris, Ilya Sutskever).

"What emerges is an inspiring call to attention: a real-time exploration of forces advancing faster than ever," said the news release.

Through in-depth conversations with the leading voices in AI, audiences will be confronted with a stark wake-up call that explores the existential dangers and extraordinary promise of this rapidly rising technology. 

“I can’t think of any topic more timely right now, because AI is so rapidly moving from the far horizon and shaping our present moment,” said Strand Theatre film programmer Brita Wanger. “We are all starting to think about what this technology will mean for our communities and the world, and this film asks the questions we all want answers to.” 

Technology critic and industry analyst Sara M. Watson will moderate a Q&A following the screening. 

Points North Presents is a new monthly screening series that extends the spirit of the Camden International Film Festival throughout the year. In collaboration with the Strand Theatre, the series will bring some of the world’s most exciting and thought-provoking documentary films and filmmakers to the Midcoast Maine community.                                                               

More information is available at RocklandStrand.com or by calling 594-0070.

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main Street, Rockland.