At IFFI 2025, a masterclass titled “The New AI Cinema” showcased how artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing filmmaking. The session featured veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur along with technologists exploring how generative‑AI and large language models are being used in scriptwriting, storyboarding, shot design, and other pre‑ and post‑production tasks. An AI-assisted short documentary titled The Lost Legends was screened to demonstrate these possibilities.
Kapur described AI as a “democratic tool” for film production — one that can break traditional barriers and make creative expression accessible to newcomers who may lack resources. He recalled a playful anecdote where a script for another film was generated using an AI chatbot, underlining how accessible these tools have become. Yet, he emphasized that despite technological advances, human emotion remains the core of cinema.
At the same time, some concerns were raised about the impact of AI on fundamental aspects of filmmaking. In a discussion with international peers, Kapur cautioned against assuming that AI can replace human actors and directors — especially stressing that AI “doesn't understand pupils,” meaning it cannot reproduce the subtle emotional expressions that give depth to a film. He argued that while AI can be a powerful collaborator, it cannot replace the human heart that drives storytelling.
Overall, the discussion at IFFI 2025 painted a vision of a hybrid future: one where AI helps democratize filmmaking by lowering costs and technical barriers, while human creativity, emotion, and craftsmanship remain indispensable. The festival’s embracing of AI — through screenings, masterclasses and debates — signals a turning point: cinema is entering a new phase where technology and human art must coexist thoughtfully.
