A controversial biographical film about Putin, which incorporates AI technology, debuts at Cannes, sparking discussions. The film is scheduled to be released on 26 September 2024.
Polish director Besaleel, also recognized as Patryk Vega, is poised to ignite a wave of debate with his most recent project, a biographical film about Putin that incorporates AI technology. Making its debut at the Cannes film market, this innovative film disrupts traditional narrative techniques by utilizing deepfake technology. It presents Russian President Vladimir Putin as the epitome of a gangster within the framework of a political thriller, skilfully recreating significant real-world occurrences like the Moscow theatre hostage crisis and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The teaser reveals a somber depiction of Putin, illustrating him in compromising scenarios like wearing stained diapers and partaking in extramarital affairs. Besaleel’s goal is to present a psychological profile of the Russian president, examining his journey to power amidst chaotic circumstances. By utilizing AI-generated characters, the film stimulates debates about the ethical dilemmas of deepfake technology in cinema and its effects on audience interpretation.
Reportedly, the filmmakers filmed the Polish actor portraying Putin and subsequently employed AI to reproduce Putin’s appearance with remarkable realism, featuring the AI-generated visage in the movie’s trailer.
Kinostar, a German distribution company, is presenting the film at the Cannes market after commencing sales at the American Film Market in the previous year. They are actively seeking distribution partners to globally release “Putin” in cinemas, with plans for its initial rollout in Eastern Europe commencing on September 26.
The film’s reception at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival this month will serve as a significant examination for the innovative AI technology and the ethical boundaries it may challenge by recreating public figures on screen.
