Reel Science: Andre is an Idiot

Bold, funny, and deeply moving, this Sundance Award-winning documentary chronicles André Ricciardi’s journey as he faces a terminal diagnosis with an unflinching mix of honesty, humor, and curiosity. Rather than follow convention, André transforms his remaining time into an experiment, embracing radical openness and inviting director Tony Benna to help document his approach to mortality. 

Through imaginative stop-motion animation intertwined with candid vérité footage, the film reveals André’s unique outlook, his absurdist imagination, and his willingness to ask life’s biggest questions. Ultimately, the film celebrates resilience, creative audacity, and the fearless humor that refuses to let darkness have the last word. André is an Idiot encourages viewers to reconsider what “normal” means when confronted by illness and loss—and reminds us that sometimes, the best response to life’s hardships is simply to laugh at them. 

5:30 p.m. — Doors open, interactive activities

7:00 p.m. — “Andre is an Idiot” screening, Rollins Theatre

8:30 p.m. — Post film discussion and audience Q&A with James Fleet, Department of Nutritional Sciences

At Reel Science hear from leading researchers and experts and enjoy science-themed films through a partnership with The University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences. Each event features a presentation from a UT scientist and a science-themed documentary from Sandbox Films, the Oscar-nominated production studio that illuminates the art and beauty of scientific inquiry: humankind’s weird, messy, brilliant way of navigating the world.