AI is a tool that enhances creativity, not replaces it: experts at the 19th MIFF Open Forum
Mumbai, June 16, 2026: Indian Documentary Producers Association (IDPA) organized an open forum on the following themes: “Is AI the future of creativity?” During the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF). The session brought together Sanath PC, Co-Founder of Firefly Creative Studio Pvt. Ltd., SMPTE Chairman Ujjwal Nirgudkar, lawyer Hetal Desai Soriya, and filmmaker Fanboy Pictures director Subodh Menon will discuss the opportunities, challenges, and impact of AI in filmmaking and content creation.
The discussion explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in the creative ecosystem, with panelists considering its impact on storytelling, production processes, and the future of the film industry. While recognizing the transformative potential of AI, panelists emphasized that human creativity and emotional intelligence remain central to the art of storytelling.
SMPTE Chairman Ujjwal Nirgudkar spoke on the technological evolution of cinema and said that AI is the next natural step in film production. He highlighted its growing role in post-production, including sound enhancement, color correction, visual enhancement and film restoration. He also noted that while AI tools are evolving rapidly, it will take time for the industry to standardize and fully adopt them.
Filmmaker Subodh Menon, director of Fanboy Pictures, emphasized that while AI can generate content and assist in brainstorming, storytelling remains fundamentally human. He explained that AI is a valuable tool for idea generation and validation, and said understanding AI will become increasingly important for filmmakers as the technology becomes more widely adopted.
Sanas PC, co-founder of Firefly Creative Studio Pvt. Ltd, realized that AI could enhance storytelling by improving image quality, sound, and viewer experience. He said that this is an experimental period, and creators should explore the possibilities of AI while using it as a support tool rather than relying completely on it.
Addressing the legal aspects of AI-generated content, Hetal Desai Soliya emphasized the importance of using licensed data and ensuring full human involvement in creative works. She noted that copyright ownership remains with human creators and advised filmmakers to use AI to enhance, rather than replace, original content.
Panelists agreed that AI should be seen as a powerful enabler that complements human creativity, rather than replacing it. They emphasized that while AI can streamline production processes, increase efficiency, and expand creative possibilities, the essence of storytelling remains human imagination, emotion, and artistic vision.
The discussion was followed by an engaging interaction with the audience, where participants considered questions regarding AI adoption, ethical concerns, copyright protection, and the future of creative professions. The session ended with the consensus that filmmakers must embrace technological change while ensuring human creativity remains at the heart of the storytelling process.
