Sci-Fi Short Film "Henri" | DUST

A derelict spaceship becomes self-aware and builds itself a mechanical body in order to feel alive.
"Henri" by Eli Sasich
Also by Eli Sasich, “ATROPA” the series. Watch it on DUST here: • "Atropa" The Series
Connect with the Filmmakers:
corridor-productions.com/henri - Blu-rays and DVDs available
/ esasich
/ atropatheseries
okkto.com/
More About "Henri":
HENRi is an epic sci-fi short film starring Keir Dullea (2001: A Space Odyssey) and Margot Kidder (Superman). Hundreds of years in the future, a derelict spaceship - controlled and powered by a human brain - floats aimlessly in the outer reaches of space. Trapped in the cold metal prison of the vessel, the brain begins to experience disjointed images of its former life - images it cannot understand. Becoming increasingly self-aware, and yet unable to move, the brain devises a plan to build itself a mechanical body from parts of the ship. Maybe then it will understand the images it is seeing. Maybe then it will feel alive. Utilizing a mixture of quarter-scale miniatures, in-camera effects, and computer animation, HENRi is a completely unique and visually striking short film.
"Henri" Credits:
Written and Directed by Eli Sasich
Produced by Jefferson Richard
Co-Produced by Domnic Fratto
Music by Kevin Riepl
Cinematography by Tim Angulo
Editing by Eli Sasich
Casting By Catrine McGregor
1st Assistant Director - Daniel Midgley
Nathan Aaron ... associate producer
Michael Becker ... associate producer
Claude Bidal ... associate producer
Robert Bowling ... associate producer
Jeffrey J. Ellen ... associate producer
Phil Ferriere ... associate producer
Kris Gillespie ... associate producer
Gary Greco ... associate producer
Peder Norrby ... associate producer
Jason Poh ... co-producer
Dan Raine ... associate producer
Izak Rappaport ... associate producer
Doug Roos ... associate producer
Chad Jeffrey Russey ... associate producer
Eli Sasich ... executive producer
David Schatanoff Jr. ... associate producer
Steven Schlotterbeck ... associate producer
Karla Shelton ... co-producer
Don R. Thomson ... associate producer
Brian Wright ... executive producer
Emperial Young ... associate producer
Jonathan Hallett ... storyboard artist
Thomas Pringle ... pre-production artist
Craig Sellars ... pre-production artist
Nate Hoffman ... re-recording mixer / sound designer
Randy Cooper ... miniature set/model builder
Clark Schaffer ... special effects
Rob Field ... digital compositor
Matt Hoffman ... visual effects supervisor
Q. Bryce Randle ... visual effects editor
Clark Schaffer ... visual effects supervisor
Chris Wells ... visual effects artist
Jarom Brand ... lead animator / rigging technical director
Alex Lee ... gaffer
Bruce Rabinowitz ... music supervisor
Jeffrey Gold ... special thanks
Joe Vitale Jr. ... special thanks
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[@elisasich]

Hey there - I’m Eli, writer & director of HENRi. We made HENRi over ten years ago with the support of Kickstarter and a small army of very talented people (many of whom are listed in the video description). It was a true passion project, created by blending “old school” practical effects - like quarter scale miniatures and rod puppetry - with newer techniques. I’m super excited to share it with DUST’s amazing audience after our recent sci-fi series ATROPA connected with so many of you a couple years back. Happy to answer questions!

[@wetworks8]

Dudes..that was fucking outstanding.

[@yesh6545]

I like the concept of Existentialist here

[@elisasich]

@@wetworks8 Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.

[@elisasich]

@@yesh6545 Yes! Existentialism was top of mind while writing and producing this story.

[@stefanschleps8758]

Bravo. Well done. Do you have another project in mind? I hope so. And how much was the budget? I assume that any type of CGI was the most expensive cost in the production, is that correct? All the best.

[@BudgetFilmmaking]

I found this film incredibly moving. I cried when I realized that Henri was all alone and all his friends were long dead. And again when it was revealed who Henri was, who he used to be. Thank you to the makers of this film for sharing this experience with me. It was beautiful.

[@AllanGyllingOlsen]

I need more, What was the purpose of the spaceship, where were they goining and so on..😊

[@BudgetFilmmaking]

@@AllanGyllingOlsen That seems to ne little more than shoe leather. None of those things are important to the story. They don't tell you anything more about the characters, which is what the story was really about, it doesn't give us a more meaningdul understanding of the plot. I'm glad they didn't focus on empty exposition. It's a more concise story without it. Having said that though, I would like to see this film expanded into a feature. Maybe then filler info like that would be more palletable.

[@donkenmuir9504]

I agree

[@terrystewart9605]

are you Gay?

[@itap8880]

@@AllanGyllingOlsen I think the purpose of the ship was pretty clear. Earth was no longer habitable so they boarded an ark and wandered the universe aimlessly, likely without any real chance to find another good planet nor any plan/equipment in case they would find an OK planet.

[@patrickmoody7818]

And this is what you get when you make art for art's sake. Not for gross take at the box office or Oscars. Just art. Thank you for this, it was incredibly moving and beautiful.

[@elisasich]

Thank for watching! This was a true passion project, and it’s wonderful to see it connect emotionally with folks. I appreciate the kind words.

[@dings215]

His memories were finally accessed by his life flashing before his eyes. Awesome.

[@hilaryc3203]

Very fitting and quite splendid to have Keir Dullea be Henri. A wonderful homage to his great role.

[@damirserbanovic]

Isnt that ~Open the pad bay door HAL ~ Dave ?????

[@marbleman52]

@@damirserbanovic Yep....!!

[@michaelgautreaux3168]

It has a "2001" vibe.

[@flmolina]

This is the second time Keir Dullea has been swallowed by a supernova (first one was in 2010)

[@stanleybuchan4610]

A wonderful surprise to see Keir there. I saw 2001 in the cinema when it was first released and I haven't seen him since. I'm 69yo.

[@tomspoors768]

Wow! Kier Dullea of 2001: A Space Odyssey Fame. A good little film. Who needs words...

[@PersonalityMalfunction]

That's why he looked familiar -Face palm!

[@mechelle176]

Ikr I was scratching my brain thinking I know that face, don't I? Lol@@PersonalityMalfunction

[@gglenn7920]

I think HENRi had an epic life. Aside from that, I am gobsmacked with awe.

[@ED-zm8ut]

Just hoping on this comment to say for those that liked this concept, check out Dennis E. Taylor's Bobiverse series.

[@jamesmorgan3032]

Initially creepy then evolving into sad. Henri had 2 lifetimes separated by his existence as an AI finally accepting his mortality and choosing to no longer live forever as a disembodied brain. Great storyline.

[@reesetorwad8346]

Thank you, now I don't have to watch it. You should always spoil stories, that's why everybody loves you.

[@MonoxideC]

​@@reesetorwad8346 Why check out the comments on a video you haven't even watched? They're there for discussing the content. What did you expect?

[@vmwindustries]

Amazing to see Luis Lane from the oringial Superman movies! She was amazing in this, and really brought it to life!

[@ronhanks4610]

This was beautifully done, the human spirit is a remarkable thing. Thank you 😊

[@coffeecat2812]

This, this ripped my heart out and I adore it. Wonderfully done.

[@zrmsraggot]

Look, look at me, look how I suffer in front of this creation. Come on man ...

[@Martin3060]

After so many months of waiting... A Sci-Fi Short Film on this channel again. I can't believe it. An interesting storyline, great music and a clear message. Well done!

[@stefanschleps8758]

This is why we watch DUST. For these little gems which go to show what can be done on a shoestring budget when you have good writing and superior direction. It's not perfect, but it is a much better offering than many others we have seen on DUST. Thanks for sharing. (I would probably have changed the ending. Leaving our little android in the care of intelligent ET who crossed Henri's path, letting him continue the great journey of discovery that is life and consciousness.)

[@elisasich]

Very kind of you to say. I agree, I’ve found some of my favorite films on DUST! So much creativity and unique storytelling.

[@foobarbecue]

I get so tired of the required Hollywood fairy tale endings. It's refreshing how DUST videos often end poignantly.

[@markbeames7852]

Beautiful. Asimov, Heinlein and Clark would be very pleased.

[@elisasich]

Thank you! This comment makes me so happy, as those giants inspired me in so many ways.

[@markbeames7852]

A pleasure. I wish you continued growth and many wonderful inspiring adventures, @@elisasich

[@chrisfraser5088]

Amazing! Such a great job! Much love to Margot Kidder 😢❤️

[@Morpheus-pt3wq]

Amazing story and MUSIC. Music in this one is just perfect.

[@tomgalli1188]

Wow. That was powerful, and moving. Not ashamed to admit it brought tears to my eyes!

[@terrystewart9605]

are you Gay.

[@TheRealSkeletor]

Absolutely gorgeous animation and story; I would love to see an extended version of this, or more from the same "universe".

[@stephenmarshall5529]

I appreciate a story that dwells on the meaning of human life and mortality, and carries us down a path of possibilities that is seldom trod.

[@Iskelderon]

I loved this movie back in the day, nice to see that it's now available to a wider audience.

[@akseakayaker]

As I watched literally hundreds of Dust videos without doubt I’ve seen many good ones, however this one was one of my favorites. Outstanding story, effects obviously done with some old school miniatures, great graphics, sound engineering all put together into nothing short of wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing and it’s my hope we shall see more from you and your team.

[@bexx-me]

Me tooo

[@JCruzify1]

That was amazingly well made. It was nice to see the old practical effects. Not the CGI. You brought it back to life.

[@donwilson4934]

Memories. All for us to collect until in the end, we fade away and it’s like it never happened.

[@murmisrs5092]

Hundreds and thousands of years of wandering and searching in usless existence. The history of all mankind in 18 minutes. ))

[@Marie-nx1bj]

Великолепно! Фильм-загадка. Я и в восхищении, и в грустных мыслях после него... Была рада услышать голос Кир Дуллеа. А другие актеры хоть и имели мало экранного времени, но сыграли очень точно.

[@miljus73]

Socrates used to explain that all our knowledge is nothing more but remembering the things from previous divine originated life. Kudos to the creator to this movie.

[@boodew-dp5jn]

Nothing last for ever.

[@AreUmygrandson]

Nice to see practical effects. For a minute I thought when the machine saw it’s reflection, he would decide he needed to get jacked and build himself a human body

[@ayzannah9885]

I have no idea how many DUST productions I've watched. But if any of you who have in any way been involved with this channel and the videos in it see this - as corny as it may sound, I just want you to know that you've literally enriched my life with your work. So many fun, exciting, thought provoking and moving stories. I had the great fortune to be introduced to sci-fi at an early age and I know for a fact that those books have deeply impacted how I think about the world. The thing about DUST is that you so wonderfully capture what makes sci-fi awesome. I'll be taking another round to your store soon, just because it feels good to support what y'all are doing!

[@jimbush8325]

Wow what a film. So I'm getting that Henri is Biotech or had some accident that they saved his brain? Possibly an augmented AI that controls the ships function. When something happened and the ship was adrift and slowly one by one the crew died, leaving the captain to die last which she asked the AI [Henri] if he would like to be turned off? He chose to stay on. As time passes he chose to build a body to investigate where everyone went to. While this was happening he started to have flashback of a prior life? Very good story and Love the ending where he finally sees his past and has the clarity before the end. Which is also fitting that he did not have to suffer with that memory. Very humane and to end the film like this is a fitting end! Love it and hope to see more from the creators of this masterpiece.

[@Aodhan132]

Brilliant, just brilliant! Fantastic to see Keir Dullea and Margot Kidder - an added bonus!

[@weaton25]

One of the best short films I have seen.

[@procyon_storr]

ооооооо!!! наконец-то его официально выложили!.. шикарная вещь!!! и саундтрек отличный!!!

[@eclipsestorm1975]

Absolutely perfect. I felt so bad for henry

[@Grendelbc]

Dr. Calvin...that a nice touch. A tribute to good old Isaac Asimov and his 'robopsychologist' Dr. Susan Calvin.

[@morenofranco9235]

Like my Alone-ness of The Long-Distance Android. A story with neither beginning nor end. It just IS.

[@diegof4p2]

Wow that's David Bowman right there. It doesn't get any better than this.

[@jahempress26]

No short film has moved me this way ever💯💯💯

[@laurarowlson122]

This is one of the most powerful, most touching movies I have ever seen. A remarkable achievement. Bravo!!!!

[@carlsvrd1098]

damn.... Who is cutting all the onions in here?

[@slcpat801]

Well done! There's nothing like good looking miniatures. 😍

[@annemckeon6532]

Thanks for sharing this. And well done to you Eli. You packed a lot of emotions and story into a few minutes. It was very sad. After watching it I looked at the whole series of Atropa. Powerful story telling and great acting. Glad I could see it all in one go. I wouldn't have like to have waited week after week for each episode. Hope you continue to create films. Good luck and peace to you.

[@elisasich]

Thanks for watching and checking out Atropa as well! I appreciate the kind words and support.

[@drgeoffangel5422]

A magnificent beautiful moving movie, that points out the reason to exist, which is company, without it life alone, is so sad!

[@yesh6545]

such a good concept of 'existentialism' at work! Very good! I felt emotional

[@artificialtelemetry]

AMAZING 10/10. Probably the BEST Dust short flick I've seen in YEARS!!!!! Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CharlesSmith-io9fp]

I remember watching (2001: A Space Odyssey) when it was first released. It was in a Cinerama theater in Hartford, Conn. (1968 ?) I'm going to guess I haven't seen Keir Dullea in over 50 years. Seeing him in this was quite a surprise. I freely admit I didn't recognize him until reading the credits. It seems that I've come full circle with him in this little movie. I want to thank you for this, it brought out a full array of emotions, some I'm sure you hoped to elicit when making it, in that it was a great success.

[@jimbtv]

Kudos to those who scored the soundtrack. It is a big part of this project.

[@ceedub04]

Keir Dullea and Margot Kidder. Good cast.

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

I can't help but think Henri was reborn in the new cosmic event! Excellent video!

[@-englishcaption3182]

Welcome to watch new movie channel

[@vincemartinez171]

Since I have panned most of the DUST short films I’ve taken the time to comment on, it’s only fair for me to say how much I enjoyed watching HENRI . From the beginning to its ending its script was well done, and I was able to focus on, and follow the storyline without it ending with me hanging with questions. Good job 👍🏼 on the best sci fi film I can remember watching on DUST ! Keep up the great work and thank you for the entertainment.

[@nevascurded]

Been binging sci-fi shorts for couple days, this is my favorite so far, well done.

[@terrystewart9605]

I thought this was really good. I have been watching Dust for a couple of years now. and Henri is one of the Best ones I have seen. Love Sci-Fi

[@cookaboorra]

VERY close to the audience, to the spectator. Thank you for genuine moving walktrough.

[@spacecase13]

Hard hitting, emotional with a truly shining emotional moments! Absolutely beautiful!!

[@Beading_Kate]

Lovely short. Somehow very moving in the end. In the beginning it felt weird and cold, AI sounded a bit detached from reality. Then it became clear it was not purely AI, there was human brain, too. Then memories came.

[@charlestaylor3195]

One day we may wake up, only to realize that we made a decision to download our consciousness into an android. Then we thanked DUST and Eli for such an awesome movie.

[@zainulhatia9090]

Wow amazing just amazing I literally started crying, there's so much meaning in this story unbelievable, I really love it

[@terrystewart9605]

need to get off the internet and get a real life.

[@Kifflington]

@@terrystewart9605 Feeling for others unconnected to you is part of being human; it could be argued that a person that isn't capable of shedding tears over a poignant but fictional moment is the one lacking a real life. John Donne said it best when he wrote 'Each man's death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee."

[@AcapulKero]

This is a masterpiece of art. Thanks for the creator fo this video and DUST for uploading it.

[@mathieuchenier9551]

Jesus fucking christ, this has better storytelling and emotional dept than anything hollywood puts out these days, kudos to the director and writer ❤😢

[@timberwolf5631]

That was great! I guess robots don't dream of electric sheep.

[@bamblille872]

Good ref😊

[@RyanWieber]

Great short! This guy should make more!

[@elisasich]

Hey, thanks Ryan 😉

[@vikinghawk3358]

So powerful and moving , wow

[@Femtophysiker]

Memories are the worst parasite in mankind - no remedy found!

[@flyswryan]

I guess his mother never admonished him: “Henri, don’t go near the nova!”

[@RoySATX]

We all end up as memories, memories that in time will fade off into the vastness of the unknown.

[@elisasich]

Love this reading!

[@BZSm1th]

Just got round to watching this. Fantastic short !! The last few minutes especially....the emotion....brilliant!

[@elisasich]

Thank you so much!

[@closer2theheart684]

Damn, that was heartbreaking. Great short film.

[@GreyishBobbi]

Oh my god, the acting in this is so moving. ;-;

[@DouglasCarrington-dc4vw]

Sad but brilliant! I really enjoyed the creativity and respect for the human mind. Thank you! 🙂

[@chall5498]

Outstanding!

[@charlesmontgomery7002]

This may be the best episode I have seen in the Dust series

[@Johnass1506]

Very good job. And music from Riepl adding briliant atmosphere.

[@supercooloz13]

My goodness what a tear jerker! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@cosmicgamer6648]

Holy shit. Please make something like Dead Space 😍

[@LordCastleHail]

One of my fave short films ever. Even have the bluray in my collection.

[@elisasich]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@friscostreetstories5403]

Awesome . I love pondering the horror of being alone in space. I've been confined in real life, but you still know your on Earth...

[@Toon1tracks]

Brilliant film! Engrossing and thought-provoking. Well done!

[@patricktilton5377]

Nice touch, having a woman named "Dr. Calvin" -- first name 'Susan', perhaps? -- ask the AI aboard the ship if it wants to shut down, showing it a sense of mercy as a fellow thinking being, rather what Asimov's roboticist character might've done. This reminds me of how Clarke, in his 3rd Odyssey book ["3001: The Final Odyssey"] more than hinted that his Odyssey trilogy was linked with Asimov's sweeping future history of Robots-Empire-Foundation novels, through his use of the name 'Calvin' as I recall. Great short film, and it was nice to see and hear Kier Dullea on a spacecraft all alone again, as he was in "2001" after he disconnected HAL 9000 before going "Beyond the Infinite" . . .

[@just1certifiable]

In the beginning I thought Henri would be man becoming cyborg or transhuman, so it was a nice surprise that instead of man becoming less human, technology and AI became more human(e).

[@Aodhan132]

Excellent! Thank you so very much for this!

[@mavericktitan7874]

My god... that was beautiful!

[@Albert87nl]

meanwhile strikes in hollywood... diy procjects like these are still highly underated !

[@mikerama4724]

What a beautiful and sad story, very well done 👍🏻

[@rich352100]

I was happy to donate my 3-d art for the planet plat to the project. This film was amazing!

[@kpb58]

Very well done. Emotional. Wonderful to see Keir Dullea again.

[@mauricemitchell4053]

This is the best complete short film I’ve seen to date…excellent!!!

[@injectionletal66]

nice work, me it's been now 5320 days i'm alone, when i saw the Cyborg henri bringing back the Skeleton of the doctor " Calvin" where the crew members fell asleep together for the last time, so as not to leave her alone, for her to be with her family... I rarely cry, make me remenber i'm still alive.... Thank's you... ( and sorry i'm poor i can't give more or i will have to eat rice and baguette until the end of the month)

[@oo2free]

I'm getting a sense of deja vu from short stories and novellas written before I was born in 1956.

[@elisasich]

I was definitely heavily inspired by those stories. Philip K. Dick’s ‘Mr. Spaceship’ specifically introduced me to the concept of a brainship, and Asimov and Clarke’s work was top of mind when I was writing.

[@firebadwatergood431]

I love Dust....ty for always bring the best in Internet content and arts...FANTASTIC

[@James-nl6fu]

The dangerous adventure of discovery and pain of what we leave behind sketched by a master❤️

[@adamfunt9342]

Finally You uploaded here.❤️ I saw it so many years ago on vimeo and i love that. Thank you!

[@kuuluna]

I expected him to recreate em from their DNA but this is good too

[@robertjason6885]

Beautifully built. Emotionally powerful and technically first class. Bravo.

[@patcowley6378]

the lonelilest fate imaginable : To have only your brain left , which is welded into a box inside of a robot creation.drifting through empty lifeless space.. with color-challenged vision... this is horror for real...love it..nice piece.

[@groermaik]

It WAS Keir Dullea. Very cool.

[@PeterSneddon-AnimalLover]

*Heartbreakingly FABULOUS!!* Huge thanks to @elisasich for creating this amazing short film!!

[@bbigaouette]

well done. Better than anything hollyweird has put out in quite awhile. Would like to know the backstory of how 'Henri' went from being a family man (presumably) to a brain running a deep space research ship.

[@80fcollins]

Wow... just wow!!! My heart broke for Henri. Wonderful, amazing job...thank you.

[@PhotoFlight]

Remarkable cast supported by a good story and great production. Two Thumbs Up!

[@deba540]

wonderfully empathetic.