This film is currently unavailable
Ambition
In this spectacular and unusual sci-fi short commissioned by the European Space Agency, a young apprentice in the art of terraforming planets is given a tutorial by her enigmatic master.
Overview
Tomek Bagiński’s short film is set in the far future, starring Aidan Gillen and Aisling Franciosi as trans-human world-builders terraforming a rugged alien landscape, and reflecting on the curiosity, drive and ambition which led to the discovery of the origins of life on Earth. The film, commissioned to complement the public awareness campaign around the European Space Agency’s Rosetta Mission, is remarkable in its blending of sci-fi fantasy with ‘real’ science communication.
A collaboration between Platige Image and ESA, Ambition premiered on 24 October 2014 during Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder, at BFI Southbank, London.
Related
Automatic Motorist Automatic Motorist
Comedy 1911 6 mins Silent
A leisurely drive turns into an out-of-this-world adventure for a newlywed couple and their robot chauffeur.
Man Returns from Space Man Returns from Space
1961 20 mins
The USSR and the world react to the return of Yuri Gagarin from his first manned space flight on 12th April 1961.
A Message from Mars A Message from Mars
Science Fiction 1913 60 mins Location: London
Britain's first full-length science fiction feature has been restored by the BFI National Archive and given a new score by composer Matthew Herbert, commissioned by the BFI and the BBC.
Peter and the Moon Man Peter and the Moon Man
Children's 1929 14 mins Silent
The man in the moon learns about hygiene in this 1929 public information short promoting the benefits of all-electric mod cons.
Red Moon Red Moon
Documentary 1957 4 mins
A propaganda film from 1957 detailing USSR’s experiments with satellites as it stood on the cusp of space exploration.
A Trip to the Moon A Trip to the Moon
Science Fiction 1902 11 mins Silent
A classic of early sci-fi providing an awe-inspiring and delightful account of man’s first mission to the Moon.
We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.
If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.
Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.
Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.
NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.