By https://www.abc.net.au/news/declan-bowring/13955438
Publication Date: 2026-03-05 03:32:00
Filmmakers have harshly criticized the selection of an AI-generated film as a finalist at the Tropfest short film festival, with a former winner describing it as a “slap in the face”.
Among the 16 finalists was a film called SYD CONFIDENTIAL, an animated noir created entirely using generative AI.
Director Greta Nash, who won the festival’s top prize in 2018, said she found the film’s selection insulting to the other 700 entries.
“Tropfest has effectively told them that their work and their passion for them is valued less than what I think an algorithm can put together,” Ms. Nash said.
Tropfest 2018 winner Greta Nash says selecting the generative AI film as a finalist was a strange decision. (Delivered: Greta Nash)
“I think a lot of filmmakers felt that was a bit of a slap in the face, but also a strange decision.“
“The only reason (generative AI) is possible is because it scrapes and harvests from real, human-made art.”
Melbourne-based director Finnian Williamson,…
