Filmmaker Albert Birney joins us to discuss 'OBEX,' his black and white science fiction film set in pre-internet 1987 Baltimore that premiered at Sundance. Albert opens up about the origin of the film, tracing its roots to his own video game creation 'Tux and Fanny' and his experience getting a dog in 2021, both of which became foundational inspirations for this story of isolation and obsession.

Our conversation explores Albert's relationship to video games and how he translated that into a film-video game hybrid. He discusses the technical and creative challenges of merging these mediums, creating a mesmerizing multimedia experience where the boundaries between reality and the virtual world dissolve. Albert also addresses the age-old question that haunts any film featuring a beloved dog: does the dog die?

We delve into the practical realities of shooting the first half of the film in his own home, turning personal space into cinematic landscape. Albert reflects on the inspirations and inevitable comparisons that come with creating such a visually distinctive work, discussing how influences shaped his vision while maintaining his singular artistic voice.