2002 | DCP | US | D: Andrew Niccol

When a desperate director (Al Pacino) loses his leading lady, he creates a computer simulation to replace her. He calls her ‘Simulation One’, or Simone for short, but all too soon, her fame gets out of control.

Writer-director Andrew Niccol (who wrote The Truman Show and Gattaca) gives us a cyber satire on technology, fame and male hubris.

Join us after the film for a vibrant discussion about science, humour and technology - and the role of comedy in shaping our cultural ideas about women in and as technology.

‘Niccol gives audiences a very amusing puzzle about authenticity, fraud, and the uses and abuses of technology.’ – L.A. Weekly

Presented as part of our Science. Art. Film. series in partnership with the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, ANU.

Panellists

Dr Karina Judd is from the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the Australian National University. Her research is on inclusive science communication, building on her past professional experiences as a science communicator, science outreach facilitator, environmental geologist and geoarchaeologist. Her recent publications include the book Women Scientists in American Television Comedy: Beakers, Big Bangs and Broken Hearts (Palgrave 2025).

Thomas Biedermann is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Cybernetics, Australian National University (ANU). His research draws on cybernetics, visual arts and playcentric methods to support individuals and groups in imagining and acting to shape safe, sustainable, and responsible systems.

More speakers will be added soon.

Moderator
Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens is a Senior Lecturer in Science Communication at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science of the Australian National University (ANU) and the Head of the POPSICULE, ANU’s Science in Popular Culture and Entertainment Hub. Her research explores the cultural meanings of science, the history of (violent) clowns and mad scientists, science and humour, and the interface between science and (public) art.

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April

Wed 16 Apr

6:00 PM

Price

Arc Cinema

1 McCoy Circuit Acton, Australian Capital Territory, 2601

Information

Transport

Accessibility

We are situated in the heart of Canberra on McCoy Circuit, Acton, between the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and the grounds of the Australian National University. Just a 10-minute walk from the city and state bus interchanges.

BY BUS - WEEKDAYS

Note: the NFSA is open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day), and outside those times for special film screenings and events – see our upcoming events calendar.
ON THE NUMBER 6
Route R6 runs between Woden Interchange and City West approximately every 10 to 20 minutes from 5.30am to 11.00pm weekdays. To use this service to visit the NFSA, alight at London Cct after Edinburgh Ave and proceed 600 metres along Gordon Street to the entrance on McCoy circuit.
ON THE NUMBER 53
Route 53 runs between National Museum Lennox Crossing and Dickson Shops Cowper Street on average every 30 minutes from 7.00am to 10.10pm weekdays. Bus alights at Liversidge St behind the NFSA.
Transport Canberra's Routes and Timetables site can help you find the most practical way to our venue (and others).
ON THE CULTURE LOOP FREE SHUTTLE BUS
The free Culture Loop shuttle bus stops at NewActon (on Edinburgh Avenue), within walking distance of the NFSA.

BY BUS - WEEKENDS

Note: the NFSA is open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day), and outside those times for special film screenings and events – see our upcoming events calendar.
ON THE NUMBER 6
Route R6 runs between Woden Interchange and City West approximately every 10 to 20 minutes from 7.00am to 9.00pm weekends and public holidays. To use this service to visit the NFSA, alight at London Cct after Edinburgh Ave and proceed 600 metres along Gordon Street to the entrance on McCoy circuit.
Transport Canberra's Routes and Timetables site can help you find the most practical way to our venue (and others).
ON THE CULTURE LOOP FREE SHUTTLE BUS
The free Culture Loop shuttle bus stops at NewActon (on Edinburgh Avenue), within walking distance of the NFSA.

PARKING

There is dedicated visitor parking on the premises between McCoy Circuit and Ellery Cresent (paid parking, up to three hours). There is also limited free parking surrounding the building on Liversidge Street.
We recommend using public transport in peak times.

Accessible parking is available off McCoy Circuit.
Wheelchair/accessible access via Liversidge Street.