Renowned filmmaker Shamoon Abbasi is set to break new ground with AI (Artificial Intelligence) driven projects slated for release in 2025 at AI Box Cinema. Abbasi, known for his bold cinematic choices, is pioneering AI filmmaking in Pakistan, aiming to push boundaries with immersive storytelling. Written and directed by Abbasi, his collaboration with producer Sherry Shah is set to bring a fresh narrative style to audiences, marking a significant step forward for AI in filmmaking. Excerpts from the interview.
Fashion Times (FT): What inspired you to use AI as a central element in your film?
Shamoon Abbasi (SA): AI allows limitless imagination, giving creators a vast canvas to fill with ideas. Once you have an idea, executing it involves several key elements. First, you must know how to create an image and give it life. This means understanding the tools that transform a static picture into an emotional video. While many are still experimenting with sci-fi and fantasy, I’ve researched AI thoroughly and found that very few people have used it to create coherent, emotionally resonant stories.
Coming from a family of writers and being a writer-director, I am blessed to evoke emotions visually. This skill inspired me to explore AI as a storytelling tool, using it to create a meaningful narrative. My strengths lie in horror, suspense, and historical themes, so I wanted to bring substance to the genre. Currently, I’m still in the practice phase but I am driven to take these AI-based projects to new heights. While AI is widely accessible, the real challenge lies in maintaining coherent and consistent storytelling.
(FT): What were the biggest challenges you faced while integrating AI into the film?
(SA): The biggest challenge was ensuring the characters looked authentic and relatable. The post-apocalyptic, zombie-based themes required many elements to come together seamlessly, particularly the city and environment, to trigger genuine emotion. Pakistan has been slow in adopting AI in a meaningful way, but my project aims to change that. I believe we’re pioneering in this domain here.
I love challenges, and when they succeed, there’s a great sense of accomplishment. Working with my wife, Sherry Shah, in the studio has been rewarding, allowing us to stay updated with trends and continuously grow our knowledge.
(FT): How do you ensure that the human element of emotions, storytelling, and authenticity remains prominent in an AI-driven film?
(SA): AI has long been part of filmmaking, even though we may not have recognized it as such. Chroma keying and motion graphics are forms of AI, which has evolved to play a larger role today. It won’t replace the human element; it’s like animation classics such as Tom and Jerry and Superman created with artificial intelligence, but they endure because of consistent, high-quality storytelling. Not everyone may connect with AI-driven films, but niche audiences are willing to explore this production style. I was thrilled by the audience response to ‘Oh Father’ and ‘9 hours’ teasers, proving its wide appeal.
(FT): How do you think audiences will react to the use of AI in the film?
(SA): Not everyone will embrace AI-driven storytelling. Audiences have different tastes, just as there was once little interest in Korean content until it gained mainstream popularity. For me, AI is a unique artistic path, and I’m passionate about creating original work. When the entire industry was making eye candy films, I was busy in making a film like Durj. My focus isn’t solely on financial gain; I want to spread art that reflects my team’s vision. My wife, Sherry Shah, is a key part of this journey in sharing my dedication and ideas. Together, we prefer to challenge ourselves and move forward with AI filmmaking. The response so far has been incredibly positive.
(FT): What does the future of AI in filmmaking look like? Do you see it becoming a dominant tool or staying more niche?
(SA): Runway, a leading AI tool, recently signed a $5 million contract with Lion Gate Studios, showing the industry’s growing interest. While AI in Pakistan is often used for lighthearted content like jokes and memes, I see major advancements on the horizon, and hopefully, our work will help propel it forward.
(FT): How does working with AI compare to more traditional filmmaking techniques? Has it altered your creative process?
(SA): It’s a game-changer. With AI, there’s no need to coordinate actor schedules, manage wardrobes, or worry about logistical details. This allows me to focus entirely on my vision. My projects are unique, so I feel even more connected to them through this process. While we’re still learning as AI evolves, we’re excited by the potential and committed to taking AI storytelling to new levels.
