AI in Your Hands - and in Your Films

Film and media have become technological industries. The future of storytelling is no longer defined only by writers, producers, or directors, but increasingly by engineers, algorithms, and infrastructure. Tech companies are quietly setting the pace: YouTube has already paid out over 100 billion dollars to filmmakers, more than Netflix. Meanwhile, many producers still feel AI is “something for later,” even as the transformation unfolds right next to them.

This session offers a reality check and a provocation. What do we actually want from AI in filmmaking? Do we see it as a creative partner, a time-saver, a budget solution? Are we ready to use these tools consciously, or are we floating in the dream that things can stay as they are?

We’ll explore two perspectives. First, the life-saving AI toolkit - practical tools that already work, from virtual environments to automated scheduling, dubbing, post-production, and data management. Second, a collective reflection on what kind of future we want to build. Because technology is not destiny: the film community can - and must -take part in shaping its own direction.

During the session, we’ll ask producers and filmmakers directly: What is it you desire? What kind of future do you want? Let’s shape it together — adjusting our goals and values as the industry evolves. Those who define what they want, and keep redefining it every few months, will be the ones truly steering this new cinematic landscape.