The Blurring Lines Between Film and Reality: How AI is Reshaping Cinema in 2025

The New Frontier of Filmmaking

A new creative era is dawning in cinema as filmmakers embrace emerging AI tools, offering glimpses into tomorrow’s possibilities when creative minds are empowered with cutting-edge technology.

Award-Season Impact

The film industry is grappling with a unprecedented question: does AI have a place in critically acclaimed films? The answer seems to be yes, as evidenced by the award nomination success of Netflix’s ‘Emilia Pérez’ and A24’s ‘The Brutalist’.

The Human Element at Stake

The AI revolution in film gained significant attention during the SAG-AFTRA strike of 2023, particularly regarding the use of AI to replace background actors. Concerns arose when actors were required to undergo 3D body scans in trailers equipped with multiple cameras, enabling the creation of digital replicas that could be used in various productions without additional compensation or consent.

Innovation in Storytelling

Major tech companies are actively shaping this transformation, with Google and Range Media launching ‘AI on Film,’ a program commissioning short films about artificial intelligence. One such project explores a couple’s journey with a revolutionary dream-sharing device as they attempt to escape their reality.

Documentary Perspectives

Recent documentaries are examining AI’s broader impact, exploring its influence on work, economies, and ethics, while highlighting both the challenges and its role as a transformative force in modern life.

Future Outlook

While the human element remains central to filmmaking – with actors, creatives, and writers bringing stories to life – the industry continues to navigate the integration of AI technology while preserving the essential human touch that defines the cinematic experience.