AI AND CINEMA: TECHNOLOGY MEETS HUMAN IMAGINATION

At the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival, the Indian Documentary Producers Association’s Open Forum explored AI’s role in cinema. Experts agreed AI enhances production and creativity but cannot replace human imagination. Storytelling, rooted in emotion and vision, remains human, with technology serving as an enabler rather than a substitute.  

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the cinematic landscape, but its role as a collaborator rather than a replacement for human creativity was the focal point of the Open Forum organised by the Indian Documentary Producers Association (IDPA) at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF).  

The panel brought together filmmakers, technologists and legal experts to examine how AI is reshaping filmmaking. From sound enhancement and colour correction to restoration and content development, AI tools are streamlining production processes and opening new creative avenues. Yet, the consensus was that storytelling remains rooted in human emotions, lived experiences and artistic vision — elements that machines cannot replicate.  

Speakers stressed that cinema’s power lies in its ability to connect audiences through narratives shaped by human imagination. While AI can assist in refining technical aspects and even generate content, it lacks the depth of empathy and cultural nuance that define compelling stories. The discussion underscored that technology should be viewed as a creative enabler, augmenting human artistry rather than supplanting it.  

Ethical considerations also took centre stage. Concerns about copyright protection, ownership of AI-generated material and the responsible use of technology were debated extensively. Legal professionals highlighted the urgent need for frameworks to safeguard intellectual property and ensure accountability in an era where algorithms can produce content at scale.  

The forum’s key takeaway was clear: AI can enhance creativity, streamline workflows and expand possibilities, but the heart of storytelling will always belong to people. As cinema evolves, the future lies in a symbiotic relationship between technology and imagination. Machines may assist, but the soul of cinema — its emotional resonance and artistic vision — remains a uniquely human domain.  

For filmmakers, this means embracing AI as a tool to push boundaries while staying true to the essence of storytelling. For audiences, it signals a future where films may be technically sharper and more immersive, yet still anchored in the human spirit. The dialogue at MIFF reaffirmed that while technology can change how stories are told, it cannot replace why they are told — to reflect, challenge and inspire the human experience.