Silicon Valley Techies Flock to Private Screenings of “Dune: Part 2”
In a top-floor atrium in downtown San Francisco, tech workers from Google, Slack, X, and Mozilla gathered for a private screening of “Dune: Part 2,” the latest installment in the Frank Herbert-inspired science-fiction saga. The event was a celebration of Silicon Valley’s newest obsession, with attendees mingling next to cardboard cutouts of Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.
The screening, hosted by former tech executives turned podcasters of “Escape Hatch,” was just one of many private events happening across Silicon Valley. Venture capital firms, tech executive circles, and even individual companies like Meta and Google had booked their own screenings of the movie, directed by Denis Villeneuve.
The tradition of hosting private screenings of sci-fi movies remains alive and well in Silicon Valley, with films like “Star Wars,” “Dune,” and “Ready Player One” playing a significant role in inspiring techies to pursue careers in technology. The expansive world-building of the “Dune” series holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Silicon Valley denizens, with many drawing parallels between the charismatic leaders in the series and tech industry icons like Steve Jobs.
Despite the tech industry’s focus on innovation and progress, the source material for “Dune” offers a skeptical view of man’s technological advancements. Attendees at the private screening were determined to have fun, with custom-printed posters, themed cocktails, and gourmet snacks adding to the festive atmosphere.
After the movie ended, the group headed into a V.I.P. room to record a live edition of the podcast, continuing their discussions and geeking out about the film well into the night. The enthusiasm for “Dune: Part 2” was palpable, with one attendee already planning to see the movie again at a Monday matinee.
As techies in Silicon Valley continue to find inspiration in sci-fi classics like “Dune,” the intersection of technology and storytelling remains a powerful force in shaping the future of the industry.
