The rise of AI technology in documentary filmmaking has ignited critical discussions, particularly regarding the integrity of truth and reality within the medium. Leading documentarians convened at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) to explore best practices and the future of AI’s role in documentaries. Oscar-nominated director David France shared his experiences using AI in “Welcome to Chechnya” to protect LGBTQIA identity, employing digital face superimposition techniques. Marc Isaacs’ “Synthetic Sincerity” experiments with creating authentic AI characters, raising questions about representation. Concerns regarding archival footage integrity were underscored by filmmaker Susana de Sousa Dias, who highlighted the risk of viewers doubting all media authenticity. Eugen Bräunig emphasized the need for self-regulation and best practices in using generative AI, advocating for transparency in production processes. As trust in media wanes, the documentary realm faces challenges in maintaining credibility amidst technological advancements.
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