As Big Tech shifts its focus from the attention economy to the emerging “intimacy economy,” the question arises: Are we ready for customizable lovebots designed to push our most primal buttons?
Sex Robot Madness is a fast-paced, unapologetic dive into human-machine intimacy, where the line between connection and commodification blurs.Through interviews with leading experts, authors, sex workers, inventors, and even the world’s first commercially available sex robot, this documentary explores whether sex robots will serve as a solution to the epidemic of loneliness—or if they’ll pour gasoline on the fire of societal isolation. The debate is fierce, with strong and sometimes terrifying points made on both sides.
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Tough ethical questions about the commodification of intimacy, the objectification of women, and the implications of leasing a lover from a major corporation are just part of what’s tackled head-on. Intelligent, humorous, and deeply personal, Sex Robot Madness charts the filmmaker’s own journey as he grapples with the allure of artificial intimacy in his own life.
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No stone is left unturned, weaving personal vulnerability with a punk rock attitude and a sense of urgency. Society can’t afford to be caught off guard by a future filled with robots capable of fulfilling our deepest desires. Whether you find the idea thrilling or terrifying, one thing is clear: It’s time to have this conversation—before we’re surrounded on all sides by artificial lovers who may understand us better than we understand ourselves.
FILM SUMMARY
Jimmy Mehiel
Writer / Director / Editor
Jimmy Mehiel is the director/writer/editor/narrator of Sex Robot Madness,
a documentary that dives into the rise of sexually capable robots and their implications for human intimacy. What fascinates him most about the subject isn’t the technology itself but the humanity behind it—exploring loneliness, connection, and the need to redefine fundamental concepts like sex as science fiction becomes reality. With a blend of philosophical curiosity and sharp humor, Jimmy crafted a film that’s both thought-provoking and entertaining.
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As a writer-director, Jimmy is drawn to big questions and philosophical dilemmas that don’t have easy answers. He combines this intellectual curiosity with a deep sense of humor, creating work that challenges assumptions while entertaining audiences. Science fiction has always been a passion of his, offering a space to explore the “what if” scenarios that increasingly intersect with our reality.
Karen Chmielnicki
Producer
Karen Chmielnicki thrives on working with people who share the drive for collaboration in meaningful storytelling. It’s not just about making films; it’s about creating a space where bold ideas can flourish, and where each project feels like a collective journey of vision, craftsmanship, and impact. When director Jimmy Mehiel approached her with his film, she recognized his ability to craft narratives that spoke to the heart of the human condition. Their partnership has been a perfect synergy of innovation, ambition, and storytelling integrity.
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For Karen, the projects that spark her passion are those that connect deeply with the human experience. She is drawn to stories that tap into the pulse of current events, those that challenge perspectives and resonate with audiences on a universal level. It’s not just about the art—it’s about telling stories that matter, that have the power to shift thought, evoke emotion, and inspire change.
Rachel Xia
2nd Unit Director :: China
I'm a filmmaker based in China, working across documentaries, commercials, and narrative short films. I was formerly a student of Jimmy’s at SUNY Purchase.
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I’m grateful for Jimmy’s trust in having me lead the filming for the China segment of Sex Robot Madness. When I first learned about his vision for the documentary, I found it fascinating — especially his forward-looking focus on AI, a topic that has since become incredibly relevant. Exploring how AI intersects with human relationships felt particularly thought-provoking. With this in mind, I conducted research into Chinese manufacturers and successfully completed the filming and interviews. It was a truly meaningful experience for me.
Mike Wallace
Storyboard Artist
Mike Wallace is a video editor and storyboard artist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the film program at SUNY Purchase, and has been editing documentaries, short films and various other media projects for 15 years.
Creating illustrations for Jimmy's film "Sex Robot Madness" was an entertaining and often hilarious collaboration. It was a chance to create drawings whose atmospheres ranged from irreverently lascivious to sci-fi dystopianism.
Morris Napolitano
Actor
I owned my on business for 45 years than retired. I started writing 8 years ago than fell in love with acting four years ago. I love to bring story to life. You don't retire you rewire!
Sex Robot Madness initially appealed to me do to it’s quirkiness. But in the end what I found really intriguing was its social commentary on loneliness and how a sex bot may actually help with the problem. Great food for thought. After all, we humans don’t always make sense.
INTERVIEW SUBJECTS
