A prominent director delivered a fervent speech at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, advocating for the significance of human artistry in the face of growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in creative fields. Speaking at the festival’s 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch, the director emphasized the importance of maintaining artistic integrity and creativity.

In his address, he urged attendees to “be kind, be involved, believe in your art.” He expressed concern over a cultural narrative that trivializes the value of art, describing such dismissals as “the prelude to fascism.” He passionately argued against the notion that technology, particularly AI, can replace human creativity. “If it’s that important,” he challenged, “why do they want it so bad?” His pointed remarks highlighted the potential dangers of devaluing the human experience in art.

This director has been an outspoken critic of AI’s encroachment on artistic domains, having previously declared “Fuck AI!” during his acceptance speech at the Gotham Awards in December 2022. He reiterated his commitment to human artistry, stating, “The artistry of all of them shines on every single frame of this film that was willfully made by humans, for humans.” He acknowledged the contributions of various team members, including designers, cinematographers, and editors, underscoring their roles in creating meaningful art.

His remarks resonate amidst a broader conversation about the role of AI in creative industries, where generative technologies are increasingly being utilized to produce art, music, and literature. The director’s call to action reflects a growing sentiment among artists and creators who fear the dilution of artistic expression in favor of technological efficiency.

This speech at the festival is part of a larger movement advocating for the preservation of artistic integrity. As the debate over AI in art continues to unfold, the director’s passionate defense of human creativity serves as a rallying cry for those who believe that the essence of art lies in the human experience and emotion.

With his compelling rhetoric, he aims to inspire fellow artists to remain steadfast in their commitment to creativity and to resist the allure of technology that threatens to overshadow the human touch in artistic expression. The ongoing dialogue surrounding AI’s role in art promises to be a defining issue for the creative community in the coming years.