AI Revolution in Cinema: A Double-Edged Sword
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global film industry, sparking debates on creativity, ownership, and ethics. At the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, legendary filmmaker Shekhar Kapur urged actors to legally protect their digital likenesses as AI redefines storytelling.
During his masterclass “The Future of Cinema in the Age of AI,” Kapur called AI a “disruptive force,” emphasizing its potential to democratize filmmaking while threatening traditional acting careers. “Actors must secure their faces, voices, and movements before studios exploit them without consent,” he warned.
How AI Is Changing Filmmaking
AI’s impact is already visible:
– De-aging Tech: Used in The Irishman.
– Deepfake Performances: Like the viral AI-generated Tom Cruise.
– Posthumous Roles: AI recreated Anthony Bourdain’s voice in Roadrunner.
In India, AI assists in dubbing (voice cloning), VFX, and scripting. Kapur, director of Bandit Queen and Elizabeth, cautioned against losing cinema’s “human soul.” “Can AI replicate Shah Rukh Khan’s charm or Tabu’s intensity?” he asked.
Why Actors Must Protect Their Digital Rights
Kapur highlighted intellectual property risks—AI can clone actors’ likenesses indefinitely. Recent Hollywood strikes (like SAG-AFTRA) demand protections against AI misuse.
“Stars’ digital avatars could act in multiple films without their input,” Kapur noted, citing Bruce Willis licensing his likeness post-retirement. Younger actors risk losing control over their careers to AI clones without legal safeguards.
Ethical Dilemmas: Can AI Replace Human Creativity?
Kapur questioned AI’s limits: “If AI writes, directs, and acts, what’s left for humans?” While AI predicts box-office hits, it lacks cultural depth—key to legends like Satyajit Ray.
However, he sees AI as a collaborator: “Imagine indie filmmakers visualizing scenes like Spielberg or composing like A.R. Rahman.” The solution? Strong regulations and fair compensation for digital replicas.
Industry Reactions at IFFI
Attendees echoed Kapur’s concerns:
– Rahul Bose (Actor): Pushed for a “digital rights framework.”
– Technician Unions: Demanded AI transparency in credits.
– Critics: Rajeev Masand called AI “inevitable but must preserve authenticity.”
AI-assisted short films showcased at IFFI proved its creative potential—balancing innovation with ethics remains the challenge.
Kapur’s Call to Action
- Legal Reforms: Update contracts to include AI clauses.
- Ethical Transparency: Studios must disclose AI use.
- Education: Train artists to leverage AI responsibly.
As AI reshapes cinema, Kapur’s message is clear: Protect human artistry while embracing technology. The industry must act before algorithms take the lead.
— Reported by NextMinuteNews at IFFI 2024
