Pioneering AI-generated feature-length documentary “Post Truth,” which got a theatrical release across Turkey this summer, is set to launch internationally from the upcoming Warsaw Film Festival.
The English-language work is directed by generative AI artist Alkan Avcıoğlu, who created “Post Truth” entirely using artificial intelligence including all visuals, sound, music and voice. The doc, which delves into man’s relationship with technology, was co-written by the director with multidisciplinary artist Vikki Bardot.
“Post Truth” draws inspiration from the large-scale cinematic vision of Godfrey Reggio (“Koyaanisqatsi”) and references filmmakers such as Andrej Tarkovskij, Jean-Luc Godard and Leos Carax. “It has a self-reflexive critical tone, focusing on how technological thinking led the world to an era where facts don’t matter anymore,” according to promotional materials.
Turkish arthouse distributor Başka Sinema released “Post Truth” in Turkish cinemas across some 20 cities in June, eliciting positive reviews from local critics.
“Artificial intelligence is entering the world of cinema more and more boldly — often supporting human work in hidden ways, sometimes even replacing it,” said Warsaw Film Festival programming director Bartek Pulcyn in a statement. “‘Post Trut’h uses AI openly to ask fundamental questions about the present and the future of the world and humanity.” The fest runs Oct. 10-19.
“‘Post Truth’ is not a cheap trick showcasing AI or a gimmick, but a conceptual, in-depth exploration of the boundaries of what a documentary can be,” Avcıoğlu noted.
Avcıoğlu worked as a film critic before veering into film acquisitions. He left the film industry in 2022 to explore AI storytelling and has since emerged as an AI visual artist with pieces on display at major art fairs, including Paris Photo and Art Basel Miami. His work has also been auctioned at Christie’s. He recently collaborated with prominent photographer Edward Burtynsky on an exhibition opening this month in New York.
