As a lifelong cinephile and a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, I find myself utterly captivated by these two upcoming films – “Electric Child” and “Telepathic Letters”. The former, with its intriguing blend of science fiction, thriller, and a deep dive into the emotional complexities of AI, resonates profoundly with my own interests as a father and a coder. It’s almost as if the filmmaker, Jaquemet, read my mind!
These days, artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, is a topic generating a lot of buzz – not just in Hollywood but elsewhere too. So, it’s no surprise that the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, starting on Wednesday, will showcase films centered around AI and digital technology across different sections of its program.
During a recent reveal of the Locarno77 program, Giona A. Nazzaro, the festival’s artistic director, highlighted “the broader conversation on artificial intelligence” as one of the topics woven throughout the event. “We didn’t intentionally choose these themes,” he clarified. “Rather, after finalizing the selections for Locarno 2024, we recognized recurring and underlying subjects.” Nazzaro concluded by stating that “the festival serves as a platform for significant discourse and in-depth discussions.”
It could be intriguing for attendees to discover the diverse methods filmmakers employ when crafting digital worlds and AI. These techniques span from traditional narrative films, documentary features, to movies that incorporate AI-generated imagery.
As a long-time enthusiast of technology and its impact on our lives, I’m thrilled to share my excitement about three groundbreaking films set to debut at Locarno that delve into the realms of AI and virtual worlds. Having spent countless hours pondering the potential implications of artificial intelligence and the blurring lines between reality and virtuality, these movies promise to offer unique perspectives on these pressing issues. I eagerly await their premieres, knowing they’ll undoubtedly spark thought-provoking conversations and deepen our collective understanding of the digital frontier.
The film titled Real by Adele Tulli is being screened in the Cineasti del Presente section of Locarno, a platform highlighting debut and early-career films.
Renowned Italian director Tulli (previously known as ‘Normal’) is once again gracing our screens. Her latest 83-minute production promises to transport audiences to diverse locations such as South Korea. However, it ventures there not just for geographical exploration, but rather to delve into themes that resonate with a broad spectrum of viewers across the globe, whether they are personally familiar with these topics or simply aware of them.
“The description on the Locarno festival’s website states that Real intends to explore the continuous changes brought about by our interaction with digital technologies, using a mixed collection of narratives to highlight various aspects of life in a highly interconnected world.”
At a news conference regarding his movie lineup, Nazzaro referred to it as “a documentary film on artificial intelligence and the internet, among other things,” in simpler terms.
Tulli shares that he aims to provide viewers with a vibrant, engaging, contemplative visual experience that delves into what it means to be human in the digital era. He hopes to spark thought-provoking discussions about some of its troubling aspects and significant issues. (Tulli tells THR)
“She emphasizes that certain advancements are undeniably altering our reality. Moreover, her intention was to spark discussions on the deep societal changes brought about by the digital age.”
Check out a clip from Real below.
Simon Jaquemet’s “Electric Child” will be screened in the spacious Piazza Grande of Locarno, Switzerland, a venue with seating for approximately 8,000 spectators.
“Upon the birth of their first child, Sonny and Akiko’s initial elation swiftly transforms into alarm as their physician delivers shocking news. This sets the stage for challenging choices and dramatic events that unfold in the 118-minute movie. Faced with despair, Sonny contemplates employing his AI superintelligence project to disprove the doctors, but each move he makes increases the likelihood of a potentially harmful outcome.”
Nazzaro characterized the movie as follows: “This is a science-fiction production, and it delves into the realm of artificial intelligence. However, it’s more than just that; it’s also a suspenseful thriller.”
As a passionate tech enthusiast, coder, and father, I’ve crafted “Electric Child” to delve into the poignant intersection of humanity’s overreach and the delicate human condition, where technology and emotion collide.
Speaking to THR, Jaquemet reveals his long-standing fascination with AI and his recent creation of a movie centered around it. “I never anticipated such widespread response,” he says. “There’s been this incredible growth in generative AI, with ChatGPT leading the charge,” he adds. “It’s both surprising how quickly things are progressing and how intense it all is. It’s quite intriguing,” he continues. “At the same time, I can’t help but feel that the film should have been completed a year or two ago to truly capture its prophetic nature.”
The subject under examination encouraged the filmmaker to explore fresh creative avenues. For instance, some sequences in “Electric Child” were crafted by attempting to write from the point of view of an AI, as Jaquemet clarifies.
The work titled “Telepathic Letters” (Cartas Telepáticas) by Edgar Pêra is set to be screened outside the competition category at Locarno.
Notable Portuguese filmmaker and artist Pêra, renowned for films like “The Nothingness Club” and “Magnetick Pathways”, frequently pushes boundaries by integrating innovative technologies such as 3D. He is widely recognized for his uncanny, experimental creations.
In keeping with this, it’s anticipated that his newest film will undoubtedly spark discussion and draw attention once more. The film centers around the enigmatic connections between U.S. science-fiction, fantasy, and horror author H.P. Lovecraft and Portuguese poet and writer Fernando Pessoa.
“During the early part of the 20th century, H.P. Lovecraft and Fernando Pessoa significantly impacted literary circles. Remarkably, they never met, yet their lives and writings share a striking synergy.”
How did Pêra choose to delve into his thoughts and philosophical links? By crafting his latest film using AI-generated visuals. He expresses his enthusiasm for novelty in filmmaking, stating to THR, “Whenever something new comes along, I’m drawn to it because I view cinematic technology as a box of toys.” Regarding his movies, he once said that he thinks with his hands.
Regarding his latest film, AI became his primary interest following an attempt at a conventional approach. Originally, “Telepathic Letters” began as a documentary featuring actors from “The Nothingness Club“, but Pêra found it lacked excitement; it was simply a repetition of the same process, albeit on a smaller budget. However, in late 2022, “I started writing prompts to generate images, and over the course of a year, my life took an unexpected turn: I was drawn into a whirlpool of hundreds of thousands of visuals.”
The 70-minute outcome is certain to offer an exhilarating journey. To give you a taste of the stunning visuals and audio encounters you’ll encounter, watch the trailer below:
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2024-08-07 09:28