Cannes Film Festival Debates AI as Meta Partnership Sparks Criticism

The 79th Cannes Film Festival has become a central stage for the global film industry’s intense debate over the rise of artificial intelligence. The technology’s pervasive presence, described by some attendees as a transformative wave, has sparked widespread discussion about its potential to reshape filmmaking, with many observing a softening tone toward its use.

For the first time, the festival has entered a multiyear partnership with Meta, which established a presence at the Majestic Hotel. The company’s AI tools were employed by director Steven Soderbergh to create surreal graphics for his documentary “John Lennon: The Last Interview,” a decision that drew criticism from many festival critics. Soderbergh defended the experimental approach, stating that it was necessary to explore the boundaries of the new technology. “We haven’t seen yet someone with a certain amount of creative credibility go full-metal AI on something, and see how people react,” Soderbergh said. “How do you know where the line is until somebody crosses it?”

Festival participants have expressed a wide spectrum of views. Jury member Demi Moore remarked that fighting AI is “a battle we will lose,” while...