What do we see when we look at an AI creation? So often it seems we see something in the shape of ourselves. Why are we driven to anthropomorphize these machinal outputs—are we looking for self-recognition, connection with others, or something else entirely? In the maelstrom that is the current discourse around AI, it can be hard to find direction and certainty. Audiences want to understand where the (real) human is in the loop, and who the trusted guides are that can help us navigate this rapidly shifting space. Documentary makers and artists can play such a guiding role—they after all are experimenting with many new AI-based tools, or using traditional screen practices to challenge our ideas of the human. They can also point us towards some of the potential creative benefits of the tools that move beyond our self-image, into forms of collective and collaborative intelligences. Our actual, live human panelists include the makers of Oryza: Healing Ground (IDFA DocLab Competition for Digital Storytelling); AI & Me (IDFA DocLab Spotlight); and Replica (IDFA Forum). Join us as we dig into the human, the nonhuman, the artificial and the real.

Speakers: Tamara Shogaolu, mots (Daniela Nedovescu and Octavian Mot) and Chouwa Liang

Moderator: Julia Scott-Stevenson