Story perspectives

Del Toro Yells “F*ck AI” Amid Cannes AI Film Debate

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Guillermo del Toro shouted “F*ck AI” at Cannes, signaling strong opposition to artificial-intelligence in film.
The festival screened an AI-generated documentary and sparked debate over AI’s role in cinema.
Organizers said the AI-only film “Hell Grind” played only at a local theater and was not in Cannes’ official lineup.
Tilda Swinton warned AI cannot replace human cinema.
Demi Moore and Nicolas Winding Refn urged filmmakers to explore AI collaboration.

History

Historical Context

In 1999 Warner Bros. released The Matrix, a $63 million sci-fi thriller that earned over $460 million worldwide and won four Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects. Its commercial and critical impact established a benchmark for technology-driven filmmaking. Guillermo del Toro’s 2024 Cannes protest against the AI-generated short Hell Grind echoes that same clash between creators and emerging digital tools.

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Story summary

Guillermo del Toro shouted “F*ck AI” at Cannes, signaling strong opposition to artificial-intelligence in film.
The festival screened an AI-generated documentary and sparked debate over AI’s role in cinema.
Organizers said the AI-only film “Hell Grind” played only at a local theater and was not in Cannes’ official lineup.
Tilda Swinton warned AI cannot replace human cinema.
Demi Moore and Nicolas Winding Refn urged filmmakers to explore AI collaboration.

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