Kenya-Jade Pinto’s documentary, The Sandbox, examines the intricate relationship between technology and power, particularly in the context of migration and surveillance. The film will have its world premiere in the main competition at the 23rd edition of the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, known as CPH:DOX, on March 17, 2024.
The documentary delves into how cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, are utilized in various aspects of modern life, from border control to surveillance. The film’s description on the CPH:DOX website highlights Pinto’s exploration of a “global black box” concerning migration, surveillance, and control. It notes how these technologies, often perceived as neutral, carry significant implications for individual dignity and life. Through visually striking cinematography and sharp political analysis, Pinto aims to shed light on the “fault lines of the 21st century.”
The production team includes notable figures such as producers Shasha Nakhai and Pinto herself, with cinematography contributed by Luc Forsyth, Gabriela Osio Vanden, Pinto, and Nick Wambugu. The editing was done by Jordan Kawai, and sales are handled by Together Films. The narrative takes viewers from the deserts of Arizona to drone-surveilled Mediterranean waters, featuring migrants, rescue workers, and border control agents.
Pinto describes the film as an exploration of a broader narrative about power rather than merely a technological story. She emphasizes that technology is not inherently neutral, as it reflects the motivations of those who create and implement it. In her words, “everything has a by-product,” indicating that the consequences of technological advancements warrant critical examination.
Her background in human rights law significantly influenced her perspective on the issues addressed in The Sandbox. Pinto trained at the University of Ottawa, specializing in refugee and international law. She recalls how her family’s experience in seeking asylum in Canada made her acutely aware of the implications of algorithm-based decision-making in immigration processes. This realization spurred her interest in the intersection of technology and migration, leading her to investigate the global surveillance networks that affect countless lives.
The film presents a nuanced view of power structures, particularly in relation to traditional power centers like the United States and the European Union. Pinto notes that the digital labor component of migrants sustains a neocolonial model, where individuals are valued primarily for their labor and biometric data. Rather than vilifying specific entities, she aims to illustrate how collective participation upholds these systems.
Pinto hopes viewers will engage critically with the themes presented in the documentary. By addressing the status quo, she encourages audiences to reflect on the effectiveness of current global systems and consider alternative ways of organizing society.
While The Sandbox carries a distinct viewpoint, Pinto believes it has the potential to resonate across the political spectrum. The film invites viewers to embrace an experiential moment, fostering dialogue on pressing issues without assigning blame. She emphasizes the importance of asking whether the existing order is functioning effectively and what changes could be made for a better future.
The title of the film, The Sandbox, serves as a metaphor for experimentation and innovation in technology, paralleling how tech companies test new products. Pinto views this as fitting for a documentary that seeks to explore complex societal issues.
As for her future projects, Pinto is currently developing a fictional work based on a book, which she believes will allow her to explore new creative avenues. She expresses admiration for the documentary medium and hopes to return to it in the future, driven by a desire to understand the nuances of human connection in an ever-evolving world.
