Introduction:
The second annual AI Film Festival, organized by generative AI startup Runway, showcased the top 10 finalists. While some feared that AI would homogenize art and create a derivative sameness, the festival demonstrated that the human touch still makes a significant difference in the effectiveness of AI-generated films. Although the festival included films with AI-generated elements like backdrops, animations, voice-overs, and special effects, it was evident that the current state of AI technology has limitations. The disjointedness and lack of control in generative models were apparent in some films, leading to underwhelming effects and disconnected narratives. However, certain films stood out due to heartfelt scripts, exceptional performances, and the emotional impact of human contributions. The festival’s Grand Prix winner, “Get Me Out,” exemplified how cinematography and human creativity can surpass AI-generated graphics in creating haunting and beautiful scenes. While generative AI may progress in the future, it is clear that the humanity we crave cannot be replaced by technology.
The Impact of Human Touch in AI Films:
As feared by some, there is a concern that AI could commoditize the artistic process and lead to a homogenization of art. Claire Hentschker, a multimedia artist interviewed in Runway’s “Creative Dialogues” series, questioned whether AI would result in an increasingly narrower average of existing things and eventually turn art into a blob. However, attending the AI Film Festival showcased that the human touch still plays a vital role in creating effective AI films. The films exhibited at the festival incorporated AI in various ways, but it was evident that skilled directing and human creativity made a significant difference.
The Limitations of Current AI Tools:
Although the festival demonstrated the potential of AI in filmmaking, it also highlighted the limitations of current AI tools. AI-generated effects sometimes fell short and disrupted the overall experience. For example, in “Dear Mom,” a poignant film about a daughter’s relationship with her mother, an AI-generated scene of a Los Angeles freeway diminished the emotional impact with its oddities and warped visuals. These limitations stem from the lack of control in generative models, particularly when it comes to video generation. The disjointedness of scenes and the inability to choose certain elements like colors in a character’s clothing were evident in some films, resulting in a fragmented narrative structure.
The Role of Human Contributions:
Despite the limitations of AI-generated elements, certain films at the festival triumphed due to heartfelt scripts, strong performances, and the emotional impact created by human contributions. “Where Do Grandmas Go When They Get Lost?” stood out as a film that successfully utilized vignettes to convey a child’s perspective on what happens to grandmothers after they pass away. The film’s heartfelt script and exceptional performance by its child star resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of human emotionality in storytelling.
The Success of “Get Me Out”:
The festival’s Grand Prix winner, “Get Me Out,” directed by Daniel Antebi, showcased the struggle of a Japanese man recovering from the psychological toll of immigrating to the U.S. as a child. While the film incorporated AI-generated graphics to depict panic attacks, it was the cinematography that ultimately made a lasting impression. The film’s final shot, featuring the protagonist walking up a bridge with streetlights flickering on one by one, left a haunting and beautiful impact. This scene exemplified how human creativity and cinematography can surpass AI-generated visuals in creating emotionally resonant moments.
The Future Possibilities of Generative AI:
While current generative AI technology has its limitations, it is possible that future advancements could lead to more realistic and seamless scenes. Startups like Runway and OpenAI are continuously training their video-generating models on ever-growing datasets that might eventually replace cinematography with prompts. However, despite the potential of AI, the festival reminded attendees of the irreplaceable humanity that we deeply crave. As the screening concluded, a cameraman in the corner captured the event, serving as a reminder that AI may never replace certain aspects of human creativity and connection.
