SXSW 2024: Moviemaker Critiques AI Cheerleading as 'Terrifying Bullsh**' While Anti-AI Sentiment Receives Strong Cheers

A wave of anti-AI sentiment resonated with an enthusiastic audience at the SXSW conference in Austin on Tuesday afternoon. Award-winning filmmakers Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, together known as “DANIELS,” first debuted their Oscar-winning film "Everything Everywhere All at Once" at SXSW in 2022, where it garnered seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. During their recent session on the future of storytelling, the duo explored the dual-edged nature of AI, describing the technology as both “amazing” and “terrifying.”

Kwan articulated that modern capitalism thrives on the notion of compulsory work rather than coercion. “We have to change the narrative and tell ourselves that ‘your value is your job,’” he explained. “We equate worth with productivity, leading to a struggle for fulfillment in this system. The system functions best when individuals feel unfulfilled,” he noted, pausing before he revisited the subject of AI, which elicited a roaring applause from the audience.

Acknowledging the crowd's enthusiasm for AI, Kwan recognized many view the technology as extraordinary. “It’s magic,” he stated. “It could potentially cure cancer and provide innovative solutions to climate issues. This technology is incredibly powerful,” he added. However, he also expressed concerns about the new narrative we will need to embrace in conjunction with these advancements. “It’s daunting,” he remarked, as one lone voice cheered in the now still auditorium.

Kwan pointed out the implications of AI within our existing societal structures, which have already resulted in challenges like climate change and income disparity. “Consider how the current system has shaped our values and understanding of worth,” he reflected. Furthermore, for those feeling apprehensive about AI, Kwan suggested that this anxiety often stems from a deeper awareness of potential obsolescence. “Even if jobs remain, their perceived value may diminish,” he warned. “Over time, this devaluation could become normalized without us realizing it.”

He also highlighted the impact of social media on our narratives. Originally designed to foster connection, it has paradoxically left many feeling isolated. Yet he remains optimistic that with AI, there is a chance to “rewrite narratives and redefine systems for the future.”

Nonetheless, Kwan emphasized that this doesn’t equate to ignoring AI’s developments or benefits. “We’re not advocating for a ban on AI. I steer clear of rigid ideologies; that approach is ineffective. AI is here to stay, and it will permeate every aspect of our lives,” he affirmed.

Scheinert joined in, urging the audience to contemplate their motivations for using AI. “Are you leveraging it to shape the world you desire? Are you seeking to enhance your life and focus on passions? Or are you merely looking to line the pockets of billionaires?” he posed to the audience. He cautioned against dismissing potential downsides, asserting, “If someone assures you there are no negative effects, they’re misleading you. We must thoroughly discuss the careful implementation of this technology.”

The audience responded with prolonged applause, reflecting their own concerns regarding AI.

Kwan interjected, emphasizing the need for introspection about the discomfort people feel regarding AI’s application, all while adapting to a world where AI will be ubiquitous. He also reminded everyone of the intrinsic purpose of art. “Why did we create 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' in the way we did? To save ourselves. Every story we craft is a conscious effort to protect our value from a system that seeks to diminish it and undervalue those we love,” Kwan concluded.