At a masterclass held during the Cannes Film Festival, Tilda Swinton shared her perspective on the role of artificial intelligence in the film industry. She emphasized that AI is not inherently a threat but becomes one when filmmakers rely on predictable and formulaic approaches. Her comments come at a time when the use of AI in filmmaking is becoming increasingly common. A recent example of this trend was seen with Xavier Gens, the director of Netflix’s Under Paris, who has spoken about how AI can help save time and resources during film production.
Tilda Swinton’s views on AI have sparked significant discussion among industry professionals and film enthusiasts alike. During a wide-ranging conversation led by Didier Allouch at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, she shared her thoughts on how cinema can resist the influence of AI. According to Swinton, the key to safeguarding the future of film lies in creating bold and unconventional works that challenge audiences. By offering something truly new and unexpected, filmmakers can keep audiences engaged and prevent the monotony that AI might otherwise introduce.
“What we need to do is what only humans can do: make messy, adventurous experiences so that an audience does not know what’s coming next and enjoys that experience,” she explained.
Swinton highlighted that the debate around AI is not just about streaming versus traditional cinemas but rather about the cost of boring an audience. She pointed out the frustration of moviegoers who spend money on travel, tickets, and meals only to end up watching the same type of film repeatedly. She believes that as long as filmmakers continue to take risks and push boundaries, cinema will remain relevant, much like it has through past technological shifts such as the introduction of sound, color, television, video, and streaming.
She also reminded the audience that cinema is fundamentally a human endeavor, and as long as humans are in control, it will continue to thrive.
Tilda Swinton’s Upcoming Projects
In addition to her thoughts on AI, Tilda Swinton’s masterclass at Cannes provided updates on her upcoming film projects. She revealed that she is currently working on two films with Apichatpong Weerasethakul. One of these projects, Jengira’s Magnificent Dream, features her alongside Jenjira Pongpas, Sakda Kaewbuadee, and Connor Jessup. The film was first announced last year and is set to be produced in Sri Lanka.
A second project is also in development. It has been two years since Swinton completed a feature film, and this new venture marks a return to the screen for the acclaimed actress. While her comments on AI offered insight into how the industry can avoid its dominance, they also subtly acknowledged the growing presence of AI in filmmaking. This sentiment aligns with the views of other directors, such as Xavier Gens, who have openly embraced AI as a tool in their creative processes.
The Future of Cinema
As the film industry continues to evolve, the role of AI remains a topic of both excitement and concern. Tilda Swinton’s remarks at Cannes highlight the importance of maintaining creativity and originality in storytelling. By focusing on unique and daring narratives, filmmakers can ensure that cinema remains a vibrant and dynamic art form.
Her words serve as a reminder that while technology may change, the heart of cinema lies in the human experience. Whether through bold storytelling or innovative techniques, the industry must continue to prioritize the elements that make film a powerful medium for connection and expression.
