While admitting he is still ambivalent about AI, Amsterdam-based director/digital artist Menno Fokma embraced the new technology to jump-start this proof of concept for a short film he describes as “a hyper-real nature simulation.”

Menno Fokma: “Five years ago, I conceived of crafting a short film that delves into our intricate relationship with nature and seeks to raise awareness about its current condition. Drawing inspiration from the eerie reflections of Black Mirror, my vision was to create a captivating cinematic piece — a heartfelt tribute to the profound significance of nature.
 

“Despite my initial attempts to materialize this project using my own resources, it remained unrealized. Fast forward to today, and the landscape of AI-driven image creation has evolved significantly.”

 
“As the film’s narrative unfolds, traces of reality gradually permeate this hyper-real experience, offering a glimpse into a future where people are immersed in virtual reality, inhabiting fictional realms, and where the very concept of nature becomes elusive.

“Despite my initial attempts to materialize this project using my own resources, it remained unrealized. Fast forward to today, and the landscape of AI-driven image creation has evolved significantly. While my ambivalence toward this technology persists, I recognized an opportunity to invigorate my original concept for the short film.

“Ironically, this teaser film, which explores the disconnection from our natural existence through the embrace of virtual lives, is now brought to life by computers. This paradox brings the core message of the idea ever closer to reality.”(Refined by ChatGPT)
This piece is an experiment to play with new techniques and explore ways of bringing ideas to live.
 
 

 
Director/animator: Menno Fokma
Edit: Menno Fokma
Images (AI): Midjourney
Motion (AI): Runway
VO Script (AI): ChatGPT
VO (AI): 11labs

Audio: THNDR
Music/Sound design: HANHAN