BOY MAKES GIRL
Directed by Mark David and Mark Elias
Written by Mark Elias
Starring Mark Elias, Meeghan Holaway, Paul Dooley
USA I 2023 I Sci-Fi, Drama I 106 minutes
After the death of his mother, a software programmer on the autistic spectrum follows his own logic in creating a robot to help care for his mother’s final unruly nursing client…
Syndicado is proud to announce the North American release of BOY MAKES GIRL, a sci-fi drama following a young computer programmer who makes a robot companion to help fill a void in his life. In the vein of sci-fi classic Weird Science, BOY MAKES GIRL is, at its core, a heartfelt tale of belonging, autonomy, and finding one’s place in the world when all else seems to be lost. The film will arrive on VOD platforms, including iTunes/Apple TV on October 24.
BOY MAKES GIRL stars Mark Elias (9-1-1 Lone Star), Meeghan Holaway (Grey’s Anatomy), Paul Dooley (Sixteen Candles), and John Billingsley (Star Trek: Enterprise). The film is written and directed by Elias, co-directed by Mark David, and produced by DFM Creative.
“Stories based on personal challenges can be scary but also the most fulfilling”, said Elias. “I hope that every viewer can identify with these characters. I truly love how science fiction can teach us about our own world.”
Aaron, a software programmer on the autism spectrum, struggles to cope with the passing of his mother — an in-home nurse, whose last client is a the bitter old man, Ben. Aaron attempts to tend to Ben, often failing to connect. Aaron builds a life-like version of his childhood therapist, Emma, to talk to, and in the process they develop a relationship. As the connection with Ben grows and Emma’s ability to upgrade pushes him beyond his social abilities, Aaron must learn to adapt and change in life for the first time. A look at the role artificial intelligence can play in our society, and what it means to be human.
BOY MAKES GIRL held a lively festival run and took home numerous awards including Best Sci-Fi Feature at the Marina Del Ray Film Festival, Best Lead Actor in a Feature Film at Durango International Film Festival, and Best Genre Film at Venice Art & Film Festival. The film also took home awards at the Milan Gold Awards (Best Narrative Feature), as well as an Honorable Mention at the Florence Film Awards, and was an Official Selection at Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be sharing this film with the world after such an exciting festival run”, said Elias. “I can’t wait for audiences to experience this journey, and hopefully it will help bring a sense of belonging to anyone looking for it.”
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
As someone who has been diagnosed as being on the “spectrum” later in life, I’ve often considered the “robotic” nature of my and others’ behaviors. I’ve always been fascinated by the role artificial intelligence will play in the future, and this project aims to examine both the good and bad effects that we might experience in a real-life scenario.
MARK ELIAS
(Director/Writer/Star)
Lebanese-American Mark Elias is known for his portrayal of Tim Rosewater in the FOX show 9-1-1 Lone Star alongside Rob Lowe and Liv Tyler. His feature film directorial debut Boy Makes Girl reflects on his own experiences dealing with anxiety, social awkwardness, and the autism spectrum. He is passionate about helping others and telling stories that parallel his own experiences.
