In an insightful session at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa filmmaker Shekhar Kapur engaged in a dialogue on “Human Creativity vs Artificial Intelligence. The session was moderated by Sudhir Mishra. The masterclass was part of the series on Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk organized jointly by IFFI and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute.
Starting off the dialogue, Shekhar Kapur emphasized the unique qualities of human intelligence, urging individuals to be proud about the intelligence of their heart. He quoted Bob Dylan, saying “My best lines were written as fast as my hand could write”, to stress the importance of emotional intelligence over mental intelligence.
He questioned the notion of AI taking over human intelligence, by highlighting elements like intuition, choice, and whimsicality that make the human spirit distinct. While AI can break structures and bring about rapid change, Kapur emphasized the importance of embracing the unknown and the fear that often accompanies creativity and change.
Reflecting on his filmmaking journey, Kapur expressed how fear of the unknown and the idea of mystery drive artistic endeavors. “I’m scared of climbing the same mountain. That is why all my films are of different genres”, he said.
He explained that AI is not creating chaos, but change is coming at an incredible pace and humans are not able to handle. He suggested that in a world dominated by AI, artists and philosophers should lead, as they are capable of navigating the chaos comfortably. He also encouraged a philosophical perspective, stating that “All art is a creative act of self-discovery,” emphasizing the role of art in finding reason in the unreasonable.
Addressing the rapid adoption of AI, Kapur acknowledged its inevitability and the need for societies to reflect on its possibilities. He welcomed the transformative nature of AI, envisioning a future where logic and reason give way to creativity. Kapur concluded by noting the necessity of change, emphasizing the cyclical nature of creation and destruction in the evolving landscape of existence.
