A compelling masterclass on “The New AI Cinema” at IFFI 2025 explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping filmmaking. Led by filmmaker Shekhar Kapur alongside technologists Shankar Ramakrishnan and V. Muralitharan, the session examined the creative possibilities of Generative AI and Large Language Models in modern cinema.
Kapur described AI as the most democratic tool in film production, breaking traditional barriers and empowering new voices. He shared an anecdote of a script for Mr. India 2 created using ChatGPT, highlighting the accessibility of emerging technologies. The panel demonstrated practical applications of AI in scripting, storyboarding and shot design, and showcased the AI-assisted film The Turban and The Rock.
An AI-made short documentary, The Lost Legends, was also screened. Kapur stressed that despite technological advances, human emotion remains the soul of cinema.
