The Rock Speaks

Synopsis

Cobalt sets out on a journey from a mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the global technology industry — and the film follows it, tracing a history of colonialism, exploitation and labour hidden behind the production of modern technology. Archival and AI-generated images link the mineral's physical journey to the digital world, showing that behind "artificial intelligence" lie very real territories, resources and human hands.

About the Director

Lo-Def Film Factory, founded by artist duo Francois Knoetze and Amy Louise Wilson (South Africa), combines archival research with video art, collage and new-media strategies for collaborative, experimental community storytelling. It began as a mobile, amateur filmmaking workshop for underrepresented communities.

Festivals & Awards

• World premiere — IFFR | 2025
• UK premiere — Sheffield DocFest | 2025
• African premiere — Encounters South African International Documentary Festival
• Screening — Job Film Days