AI Films in the Spotlight at Locarno Film Festival
Films reflecting on the reality of artificial intelligence and humans’ relationship to virtual worlds are highlighted at this year’s 77th Locarno Film Festival.
The 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, starting on Wednesday, is set to spotlight AI and digital technology-themed films, reflecting the growing relevance of these topics in the contemporary world. Films like Simon Jaquemet's 'Electric Child' to Adele Tulli's documentary 'Real' and Edgar Pêra's 'Telepathic Letters,' the festival is presenting a diverse array of perspectives about artificial intelligence and virtual worlds.
Locarno’s artistic director, Giona A. Nazzaro, highlighted the discussion around artificial intelligence as one of the more prominent themes on display throughout the festival. He emphasized that these themes emerged organically during the selection process, positioning the festival as a place sparking important dialogue and passionate discussions.
Festival attendees can expect a variety of perspectives to digital worlds and AI, ranging from narrative features to documentaries, and even films created using AI images.
Adele Tulli returns with her new 83-minute documentary 'Real,' which delves into the continuing metamorphoses prompted by humans’ relationship with digital technologies. The film offers an immersive journey exploring human existence in the digital age, aiming to ask vital questions about the challenges associated with this reality.
Simon Jaquemet's 'Electric Child,' presented in Locarno’s iconic Piazza Grande, promises to captivate audiences with its science fiction thriller narrative. The film follows Sonny and Akiko, whose joy at the arrival of their first child turns to panic due to devastating news from their doctor. Sonny contemplates using his AI super-intelligence experiment to challenge the diagnosis, leading to a series of troubling and dangerous reactions. Jaquemet, a self-confessed super-nerd and coder, explores humanity at the climatic point where technology meets human fragility. He noted the unexpected rapid rise of generative AI, adding an element of urgency and relevance to his film.
Edgar Pêra’s 'Telepathic Letters,' part of the out-of-competition program, is another highlight. The Portuguese filmmaker and artist, known for his surreal, experimental works, explores the philosophical connections between H.P. Lovecraft and Fernando Pessoa using AI images. Pêra views cine-technology as a set of toys, and his latest film reflects his fascination with new technologies. Initially conceived as a traditional documentary, Pêra shifted to AI-generated images, transforming the project into a whirlwind of creativity. The 70-minute result looks to be a visually and sonically immersive experience.
Locarno77 is set to provide a platform for diverse and thought-provoking explorations of AI and digital worlds, reflecting their growing impact on our lives and sparking discussions about the future of technology and humanity.