The camera learned to dream. Art hasn't forgotten.
72 essays · Updated weekly · Based between São Paulo and Los Angeles Scroll ↓
On July 14, 2026, George Lucas called AI the future of cinema and said there is nothing you can do about it. He is right about the technology. Wrong about who decides.
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The 2026 Palme d'Or went to Fjord, Cristian Mungiu's human-made drama. AI films were excluded from competition, yet AI filled every hallway at Cannes. The split is the real story.
A recent $1.5 billion settlement has thrown a spotlight on the battle over AI copyright and fair use, challenging the notion that all data is fair game for training. For filmmakers and creators, this isn't just about legal battles; it's about the soul of our craft and how we define creativity in a machine-driven era.
The parallel World AI Film Festival (WAIFF) at Cannes is turning heads, showcasing AI-generated films and sparking fierce debate. While technology pushes boundaries, a controversy over characters resembling "Wallace and Gromit" raises critical questions about human authorship, copyright, and what true creativity means.
§ 02 — From the notebook
"A model can render a thousand sunsets. Only one of them was the one we were waiting for."
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently declared that only "demonstrably performed by humans" acting and "human-authored" screenplays will be eligible for awards. This decision ignites a crucial debate about the future of creativity, but for many independent filmmakers, it misunderstands how AI truly empowers human artists.
Netflix is now incorporating AI-generated footage directly into its productions, a move sparking heated debate across the film industry. For directors and producers who've always stretched budgets, this isn't just a tech upgrade; it's a fundamental shift in what's possible. But does it threaten human artistry, or open doors to creativity previously locked by cost and scale?
A note on what this publication is trying to keep alive — and what it's trying to keep from becoming.
The independent film "As Deep as the Grave" has ignited controversy by using AI to resurrect a youthful Val Kilmer. While filmmakers claim consent and compensation, critics question the ethics of posthumous digital performances. Is this expanding creative possibility or diminishing the very essence of human artistry?
The legal battles over AI training on copyrighted work are intensifying, threatening to redefine intellectual property for creators worldwide. As courts struggle to find consensus, the very foundation of creative ownership hangs in the balance. How can filmmakers navigate this uncertain territory without losing their livelihoods?
§ 04 — Stay in touch
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