Oscar winner: AI may rescue documentary's raw truth

Oscar-winning filmmaker Joshua Seftel, serving as head of the Documentary and News jury at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival, believes artificial intelligence may offer a unique advantage to documentary filmmaking. Seftel suggests that as the world becomes saturated with synthesized content, authentic documentary films will be perceived as 'organic produce,' valued for their truth and real imagery.

He noted that many documentary filmmakers are currently facing challenges in distribution, with traditional avenues becoming less frequent. Seftel hopes technology can offer new solutions for reaching audiences through innovative theatrical releases and algorithm-based distribution. The festival's selection reflects a global perspective, with themes of war, migration, geopolitics, and social issues taking prominence.

Seftel emphasized the increasing importance of journalists and filmmakers in a troubled world, especially as legacy media organizations reduce their newsroom staff. He stated that documentary filmmakers are increasingly taking on the responsibility of ensuring important stories are told, driven by a sense of urgency about global concerns. Seftel's jury duties coincide with his work on a new documentary about a rock and roll choir.