Cannes filmmakers split over AI as cinema industry debates future

Published: 24 May 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking has become one of the most divisive issues at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, with leading directors, actors and producers sharply split over whether the technology represents a creative breakthrough or a threat to human storytelling.

At a summit held on the Croisette, director Darren Aronofsky defended the use of AI as a practical creative tool, arguing that it is already reshaping production workflows and expanding what filmmakers can achieve on screen. Speaking at an industry event, he described AI as part of a broader evolution in cinematic technology, comparing it to earlier shifts such as the introduction of digital effects and portable cameras.

Aronofsky said that artificial intelligence should not be viewed as a replacement for human creativity, but rather as an additional tool that can assist filmmakers in solving production challenges. He highlighted examples where digital systems can reduce the need for certain on-set practices, arguing that such tools can improve both efficiency and ethical standards in filmmaking.

However, his stance has intensified debate within the industry, where concerns over AI-generated content and intellectual property remain highly sensitive. Critics argue that rapid adoption of generative systems risks undermining the role of writers, actors and visual artists, particularly if studios increasingly rely on machine-generated material.

In stark contrast, director Guillermo del Toro has publicly rejected the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, stating that he would “rather die” than incorporate it into his creative process. His comments reflect a broader backlash among some filmmakers who believe AI threatens the authenticity and emotional core of cinema.

The disagreement highlights a growing fault line in the global film industry, where some creators see AI as a revolutionary production tool, while others view it as an existential challenge to artistic integrity. The debate has become increasingly visible at Cannes, where panels, yacht events and press conferences have all featured discussions about the technology’s future role in entertainment.

Other industry figures have also weighed in, with some arguing that AI could significantly reduce production costs and make mid-budget films more financially viable. Supporters suggest that hybrid productions, combining human direction with machine-generated elements, could reshape how films are financed and distributed.

Film technology executives say AI is already being used in limited forms across the industry, including visual effects, post-production editing, and experimental storytelling formats. However, they acknowledge that fully AI-generated films remain controversial and are currently excluded from major competition categories at Cannes.

The debate has also reached major studios and streaming platforms, where investment in AI-driven storytelling tools is accelerating. Some companies are exploring ways to generate visual content more efficiently, while others are cautious about reputational and legal risks associated with synthetic media.

Actor and producer voices at Cannes have added further complexity to the discussion. Some have warned that the rise of AI-generated performers and digital recreations could undermine traditional acting careers, while others argue that technology could create new opportunities for performance and storytelling innovation.

The emergence of AI-generated “actors” and digitally reconstructed performances has already sparked controversy in Hollywood, raising questions about consent, compensation and creative ownership. Industry unions and guilds continue to push for clearer rules governing how such technologies can be used in professional productions.

Despite the divisions, some industry veterans argue that the evolution of film technology is inevitable and should be approached with caution rather than resistance. They point to historical shifts in cinema, such as the transition from silent films to sound and the rise of computer-generated imagery, as evidence that technological disruption often leads to new creative forms rather than replacing existing ones.

At Cannes, the discussion has underscored the lack of consensus on how artificial intelligence should be regulated in entertainment. While some see it as a tool that can democratise filmmaking and lower barriers to entry, others fear it could concentrate power in the hands of technology companies and large studios.

As the debate continues, the festival has become a focal point for broader cultural anxieties about automation, creativity and the future of human storytelling. Industry leaders are now calling for clearer ethical frameworks to guide the use of AI in film production, as the technology becomes increasingly embedded in creative workflows.

For now, Cannes has made one thing clear: artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in cinema, but a present-day force reshaping how films are imagined, produced and contested.