Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in filmmaking, but it cannot replace human creativity and emotions. this was the main takeaway from a discussion held during the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF).

According to a MIFF press release, yesterday  the session, organised by the Indian Documentary Producers Association (IDPA), brought together filmmakers, technology experts and legal professionals to discuss the growing role of AI in the film industry.

Experts said AI is already helping filmmakers with tasks such as improving sound quality, colour correction, visual effects and restoring old films. these tools can save time and make production work more efficient.

Ujwal Nirgudkar, Chairman of SMPTE, said AI is the latest step in the evolution of filmmaking technology. He added that while AI is advancing quickly, it will take time for the industry to fully adapt to it.

Sanath P.C., Co-founder of firefly creative studio, said AI can improve picture quality, sound and the overall viewing experience. He described the current period as a time of learning and experimentation for creators.

Filmmaker Subodh Menon said that storytelling is based on human emotions, experiences and imagination. while AI can help with ideas and content creation, it cannot replace the human touch that makes stories meaningful and relatable.

The panel also discussed concerns related to copyright and ethics. lawyer Hetal Desai Soliya said creators should use AI responsibly and ensure that human involvement remains an important part of the creative process. she also stressed that copyright ownership still belongs to human creators.

During the question-and-answer session, audience members raised concerns about jobs, copyright protection and the future impact of AI on creative professions. the experts agreed that AI should be seen as a tool that helps creators rather than a technology that replaces them.