An attendee was removed from a Sundance festival event on Tuesday following a dispute regarding artificial intelligence, leading to a walkout that underscores the rifts created by this rapidly evolving technology within the film industry.
AI, a significant catalyst behind recent Hollywood labor disputes, has been a focal point of discussion at this year’s independent film festival in Utah.
During the festival, filmmakers have been exploring the use of AI as a tool for creativity while also expressing concerns about its potential to displace jobs and hinder human expression and connection.
At a screening of “Being (The Digital Griot)” on Tuesday, where viewers were invited to engage with an AI bot on topics such as racism and patriarchy, an audience member vocally expressed their disapproval, stating, “fuck this AI.”
In response, the creator of the film, artist Rashaad Newsome, defended the AI’s integrity, stating, “I’m not willing to tolerate profanity directed at me or my AI creation,” and refused to participate in the post-screening Q&A until action was taken.
Subsequently, festival staff escorted the individual who made the outburst out of the venue, inciting mixed reactions from the audience.
Approximately a quarter of the attendees left the screening in solidarity, with some critiquing the perceived censorship of debate and others contesting the identity of the individual removed.
Sundance organizers informed AFP that they are investigating the incident and evaluating all available information to address the issue appropriately.
This incident has brought to light the longstanding and intensifying tensions surrounding the role of AI in the realm of cinema, a theme that the current Sundance lineup aims to confront directly.
In addition to “Being,” the Sundance festival has showcased documentaries like “Eternal You” and “Love Machina,” which delve into the use of AI for posthumous communication.
Furthermore, the film “Eno” delves into musician Brian Eno’s artistry, utilizing a “generative engine” to blend countless variations of a film from numerous scenes.
The impact of AI is also explored in fictional works such as “Love Me,” featuring Kristen Stewart, which envisions a romantic relationship between an AI-driven buoy and a satellite in a post-human world.
Director Peter Sillen of “Love Machina” expressed his belief that AI could revolutionize the filmmaking process, likening it to crafting a novel from the comfort of one’s room.
Despite acknowledging the benefits of AI as a filmmaking tool, director Hans Block of “Eternal You” emphasized the necessity of regulating its usage to prevent potential harm.
The apprehension regarding AI displacing traditional roles in the film industry, such as screenwriters and actors, was a significant point of contention during the previous year’s Hollywood labor disputes.
Several filmmakers at Sundance have expressed concerns about the encroachment of AI, with Anirban Dutta, co-director of “Nocturnes,” highlighting the importance of preserving human elements in storytelling amid increasing mechanization.
The unidentified individual ejected from the “Being” screening echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the origins of AI knowledge in human input despite its intriguing capabilities.
