A film for the next generation

100 Years, a strongly guarded secret kept safe in a vault, is a unique film project that will only release in 2115

It’s a movie that you and I won’t get to see in our lifetime, but one that our descendants may be able to view a century later. Titled 100 Years, this unique film has been directed by Robert Rodriguez and the original screenplay has been written by actor John Malkovich, who also stars in it. “It corresponds with Malkovich’s vision of what the world will be in 100 years,” says Alexandre Quintin, international brand ambassador, House of Rémy Martin. The brand has teamed up with Malkovich and Rodriguez to create the film. “It is, in some ways, inspired by a century of craftsmanship that is required to create one decanter of Rémy Martin’s iconic Louis XIII cognac.”

Until its premiere on November 18, 2115, the film will rest in a unique safe at the House of Louis XIII in the south of France. This custom-made safe, created in partnership with Fichet-Bauche — a French company that offers secure storage — caused quite a buzz when it was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival this year. “It has been touring the world and is now finally back at the headquarters,” says Quintin. The contraption features bulletproof glass and a one-of-its kind timer, which records the time and date on closure and counts down a hundred years. “The safe will open automatically on November 18, 2115, regardless of access to a power source. Before that, there is no way that the film can be accessed,” he says.

100 Years

The film’s plot has been kept a closely-guarded secret, with even the cast and crew not having seen the final cut of the film. All that is known is that the film features extensive CGI effects and elaborate set design to show the journey of Malkovich and his co-star, Shuya Chang, into an unpredictable future. Three teasers have been produced to offer a glimpse of Malkovich’s idea, rather than of the actual film. Each presents a hypothetical view of what earth will be like a century from now. While one imagines the planet as being run over by nature, another presents a world governed by technology. A third scenario presents domination of Earth by humanoid robots, while humans run around to escape them. When the movie is screened 100 years later, it will be interesting to see if Malkovich’s vision of the future corresponds with the reality of that time.

“A thousand invitations have been given to prominent personalities and influencers [including Malkovich and Rodriguez] from across the world. These will be handed down to their descendants, who will finally get to see the film at the House of Louis XIII in 2115,” says Quintin.

So, how will descendants of those, who haven’t been handed an invitation, get to see the film? Maybe they will be too busy escaping humanoid robots to bother.