'Apocaloptimist' Explores AI's Human Future

Transforming the abstract nature of artificial intelligence into a cinematic experience presented filmmakers with a unique dilemma. Directors Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell described the process as fitting a "square peg into a round hole," requiring nearly three years due to the rapidly evolving technology.

Their film, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist," takes an unexpectedly personal turn. As both directors learned they would become fathers in early 2024, the documentary's focus shifted to exploring the kind of world their children would inherit.

This shift informed the film's core philosophy and the invention of the term "apocaloptimist." This concept suggests a path distinct from both doomsday predictions and blind optimism, emphasizing agency and the potential for positive change.

To visually represent AI's complex concepts, the filmmakers heavily utilized animation and stop-motion work. A recreation of Roher's art studio in Toronto served as the backdrop for this handmade aesthetic, producing approximately 15 minutes of footage at a slow pace.

The production involved significant collaboration across traditional roles, with editors and producers working closely with directors to find the film's structure. This reinvention of systems was crucial for overcoming the project's inherent difficulties.

The film concludes with a disclaimer stating "This work may not be used to train AI," a message directors stressed the importance of, even as AI technology challenges enforcement.

Filmmakers encouraged audiences to voice concerns and support ethical AI development. They shared an anecdote about successfully pushing back against an AI voice system at a doctor's office, highlighting the impact of individual action.

"The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist" is scheduled for release on March 27.