AI; new tool in service of resistance cinema
The 2025 International Resistance Film Festival has made history by marking the first official presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in cinematic productions, with a dedicated section showcasing the potential of this emerging technology.
Mohammad Ali Shojaei Fard, Assistant Secretary of the festival, highlighted AI’s growing role in enhancing resistance-themed cinema and emphasized the importance of overcoming external sanctions and strengthening local infrastructure to fully harness its capabilities, according to the festival’s official website.
Speaking on the topic of “Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Resistance Cinema: An Opportunity or a Challenge?”, Shojaei Fard called AI a “great opportunity” for producing films focused on themes of resistance.
He explained that AI has already begun to play a role in shaping the future of cinematic production within the resistance genre, which spans documentaries, short films, and feature films.
“This year, for the first time, we are proud to have a section of the festival dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence,” Shojaei Fard noted.
“The Resistance Film Festival has always provided a platform for films with powerful resistance narratives, and now, this new technological tool will further support and amplify these messages.”
Shojaei Fard revealed that the use of AI in resistance cinema has been underway for several years, but it has now reached a stage where it can significantly contribute to the production of feature films.
Looking forward, he expressed confidence that AI will be central to future cinematic projects, predicting that it would soon be involved in the creation of high-quality, feature-length films.
However, the Assistant Secretary also emphasized the need for local development to support this technological evolution. “To maximize the benefits of AI, two key steps must be taken,” Shojaei Fard added.
“First, officials must prioritize the development of the necessary technical infrastructure. Second, professionals in the field need to actively work on localizing the technology to reduce reliance on foreign tools.”
By doing so, he argued, AI can be turned into a strategic asset for what he referred to as “soft warfare,” using the power of film to challenge global narratives and promote resistance movements.
This year’s festival serves as a significant step in the intersection of cinema and cutting-edge technology, setting the stage for a new era in resistance media production.