UPDATE: Ventana Sur, the prestigious audiovisual market in Buenos Aires, is currently hosting an urgent discussion on the future of the film and television industry amid the rapid rise of AI technology. This week, the event has showcased a series of panels, keynotes, and screenings that dive deep into the implications of AI for creators and investors across film, television, and gaming.
One of the standout features is the presentation titled “Humans + AI: In Motion,” which highlights ten unique works created through human-AI collaborations. These shorts, ranging from two to five minutes, were selected from an impressive pool of 30 submissions representing countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Uruguay.
Juan Marcos Melo, head of VS Tech and co-curator of the showcase, emphasized that the goal was not to replace actors with AI but to enhance human storytelling. “We wanted to prioritize amplifying a fully human story through an AI tool,” he stated. Melo anticipates that as the industry evolves, the current anxiety over AI replacing human roles—like actors and animators—will shift toward a more harmonious coexistence.
As AI continues to reshape the production landscape, it becomes essential to consider the implications. “AI is already reshaping production. Its upside is democratizing,” said Nicolás Couvin, director of one featured short that revisits the 1982 Falklands War using AI-generated imagery from historical photographs. He warns, however, that while AI allows low-cost creativity, it also threatens job security in mid- and low-budget productions. “It raises a core question: in filmmaking, what ultimately matters more— the job or the work?”
In a poignant exploration of AI’s capabilities, Uruguay‘s short, directed by Yves Fogel, presents an existential dark comedy about a ghost seeking companionship in a desolate tundra. Created in just 48 hours by an eight-person team, this project serves as a proof of concept for a potential series, utilizing various AI tools for video, audio, and dubbing.
Brazilian filmmaker Cristiano de Oliveira Sousa also contributed a powerful narrative about overcoming childhood bullying through AI-enhanced storytelling. “The goal is not only artistic but also therapeutic—showing how imagination and technology can help heal past wounds,” said Sousa, noting that AI is unlocking new narrative potential while allowing for greater flexibility in storytelling.
The event is not just about showcasing technology but also about understanding its impact on the people behind the camera. Other works presented include pieces from Ecuador, Argentina, and Venezuela, each exploring the intricate relationship between human creativity and artificial assistance.
Looking ahead, Melo asserts that the VS Tech section will continue to celebrate any human story produced with artistic ambition, highlighting that AI is here to stay. “It’s the major media groups and streaming platforms that are implementing it now and will fully implement it next year,” he warned, indicating a significant shift in the industry.
The discussions unfolding at Ventana Sur are not just about technology; they are about the future of creativity itself. As the event continues, the industry watches closely, eager to see how human stories will evolve in the age of AI.
