The idea of a film scripted, animated, and directed by artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction. According to Najeeb Jarrar, Regional Director of Product and Marketing at Google for the Middle East and Africa, AI is not replacing filmmakers — it is expanding their creative possibilities.
“It’s like any other movie production: there are costs involved,” he explained. “There’s a cost for the creator, the editor, the equipment, and the AI itself. But ultimately, it all depends on the storyteller’s vision.”
Jarrar emphasized that the budget has never been the true measure of a film’s success. “We’ve seen massive productions fail to make an impact while smaller films with simple ideas connect deeply with audiences. Creativity and emotional resonance matter far more than money.”
A New Era of Film Production
AI-driven films are created using a mix of text prompts, image generation, voice synthesis, and editing tools. A single creator or a small team can manage the entire process. Jarrar compared today’s AI tools to the early days of digital programs like Photoshop or AutoCAD.
“They didn’t replace artists or architects,” he said. “They helped them work faster and collaborate more effectively. AI is the same it helps creators develop and share ideas with greater efficiency.”
Many AI filmmakers agree that the process is quicker but still requires significant effort. They spend hours refining prompts, fixing visual irregularities, and shaping their narratives. “You’re still the director,” Jarrar said. “AI doesn’t replace creativity; it amplifies it.”
Will Audiences Accept AI Movies?
Despite scepticism, AI-created videos are gaining popularity online. Independent AI filmmaker Ali Muftah said viewers are becoming more open to unconventional formats.
“There’s a trend of AI-generated clips where babies ‘talk’ about their first hours of life, and millions of people are watching,” he said. “People love anything that stretches their imagination. Traditional cinema will always have a place, but AI-made films won’t be rejected they’re simply another form of storytelling.”
Dubai-based producer Karim Al Saadi, who has spent more than 20 years in filmmaking, shared that he was initially doubtful of AI’s value.
“I thought AI would take away the human essence of filmmaking,” he said. “But after experimenting with the tools, I realised they remove obstacles rather than replace us. I can visualize scenes faster, test lighting setups, and save days of pre-production.”
Al Saadi now regularly uses AI for concept development and early-stage editing before handing the project over to his full team. “It’s become part of my workflow,” he said. “Taste, story, and timing still matter the most no tool can automate those.”
AI-made films currently thrive on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where creativity and novelty are rewarded. As tools improve, many expect such works to eventually make their way to film festivals and cinemas.
The Environmental Debate
AI filmmaking also raises concerns about environmental impact. Large AI models consume significant computing power, which results in high energy use. Some assessments suggest that training a single advanced AI model can produce as much carbon as several cars over their entire lifespan.
However, supporters argue that AI can also reduce waste in traditional filmmaking by cutting down on travel, set construction, and large equipment needs. “If someone can create an entire scene without flying a team across the world, that’s a positive step,” one filmmaker noted. “It’s all about responsible use.”
AI as a Creative Tool Not a Replacement
Jarrar believes AI will never fully replace actors or traditional filmmaking techniques. “At the heart of cinema is storytelling and the emotions it evokes,” he said. “Whether that comes from a human performance, an animation, or an AI-generated sequence doesn’t matter what matters is how the audience feels.”
As AI continues to evolve, the boundary between human-made and machine-made art may grow thinner. But ultimately, as Jarrar puts it, “The medium doesn’t matter. The story and the feeling it leaves you with is what counts.”
Saad Farooq brings a blend of engineering prowess and a passion for writing to technewsme.com. As a tech engineer based in the vibrant tech landscape of the UAE, Saad has immersed himself in the latest technological advancements, making him an invaluable asset to our team. His deep understanding of tech intricacies comes from hands-on experience in the field, coupled with a genuine love for all things tech.
In his role at technewsme.com, Saad specializes in demystifying complex tech subjects, making them accessible and engaging for our readers. His articles are a reflection of his life in the UAE, a hub of technological innovation, offering a unique perspective on global tech trends and local developments. Whether it’s exploring new tech gadgets, delving into software innovations, or analyzing tech market trends, Saad’s writing is fueled by his extensive engineering background and his enthusiasm for sharing knowledge. Join him on a journey of discovery and insight into the world of technology, right from the heart of the UAE.
