AI Can Enhance Creativity, Not Replace It: MIFF Panel

Speaking about the technological journey of cinema, Ujwal Nirgudkar described AI as a natural progression in filmmaking tools.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the filmmaking process, but its growing presence should be seen as a tool that supports creativity rather than replacing it. This was the central message that emerged from an Open Forum organised by the Indian Documentary Producers Association (IDPA) during the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF).

The session, titled "Is AI the Future of Creativity?", brought together industry experts including Ujwal Nirgudkar, Chairman of SMPTE, Sanath P.C., Co-founder of Firefly Creative Studio Pvt. Ltd., lawyer Hetal Desai Soliya and filmmaker Subodh Menon, Director of Fanboy Pictures. The discussion focused on how artificial intelligence is reshaping content creation, production workflows and storytelling across the film industry.

AI Expanding Possibilities in Film Production

Speaking about the technological journey of cinema, Ujwal Nirgudkar described AI as a natural progression in filmmaking tools. He pointed to its growing use in post-production activities such as sound enhancement, colour grading, visual improvement and film restoration.

According to him, AI technologies are developing at a remarkable pace, offering filmmakers new ways to improve efficiency and quality. He added that broader industry adoption will take time as standards and best practices continue to evolve.

Sanath P.C. highlighted the role of AI in enhancing audience experiences through better image quality, improved sound and advanced creative processes. He described the current phase as one of experimentation, where creators have the opportunity to explore new possibilities while learning how best to integrate these tools into their workflows.

Human Storytelling Remains Irreplaceable

Filmmaker Subodh Menon stressed that storytelling remains deeply rooted in human experiences, emotions and imagination. While AI can assist with brainstorming, content generation and idea validation, he argued that the creative spark behind meaningful stories still comes from people.

He encouraged filmmakers to understand and engage with AI technologies, noting that familiarity with these tools will become increasingly important as they become more common across the industry. At the same time, he maintained that technology cannot replicate the emotional depth and personal perspective that human creators bring to their work.

The panel agreed that AI can help streamline several aspects of production, allowing creators to focus more energy on artistic and narrative decisions.

Copyright and Ethics Take Centre Stage

The conversation also examined the legal and ethical dimensions of AI-generated content. Lawyer Hetal Desai Soliya underlined the importance of using licensed data and ensuring meaningful human involvement in any creative project that incorporates AI tools.

She explained that copyright ownership remains linked to human creators and advised filmmakers to use artificial intelligence to strengthen original work rather than relying on it as a substitute for creative effort. The discussion touched on growing concerns surrounding intellectual property rights, content ownership and responsible AI adoption.

An interactive question-and-answer session followed, with audience members raising issues related to ethics, copyright protection, employment and the future of creative professions. The panel concluded that technological innovation should be embraced, but the heart of storytelling must continue to be driven by human imagination, emotion and artistic vision.

The discussion reinforced a shared belief that AI is poised to become an important creative partner for filmmakers, offering new opportunities while leaving the essence of storytelling firmly in human hands.