Henry Chebaane is a filmmaker who solidifies himself as a thoughtful voice in science fiction filmmaking, unafraid to ask big questions without losing sight of human emotion. In his latest short, ‘That Time is Now‘, his writing walks the line between philosophical and grounded, folding in themes of environmental collapse, generational guilt and technological reckoning with calm confidence. There is a force behind his choices, and a maturity to his storytelling that stands above the rest.

As a director, Chebaane brings a steady, intentional hand to the screen. He knows how to shape mood and tone without over-explaining everything. His direction is unflashy but deliberate, guiding the narrative with trust in the material. The performances speaks to the collaborative energy he brings. There’s emotional discipline here, but also an undercurrent of tension that keeps everything alive. That balance is not easy to pull off, but Chebaane handles it with ease.

Visually, his work is cinematic without leaning on spectacle. The future he presents feels stripped back and intimate. His settings are chosen with care, and his sense of space and silence gives the story room to breathe. The rhythm is patient, the tone reflective. Nothing is rushed. It’s science fiction without the noise, where character and theme take center stage.

Chebaane is not just imagining the future – he is questioning who we become in it. In a genre that often trades in chaos and speed, his voice stands calm, curious and controlled. He is a filmmaker to watch closely.