Entertainment
Blurry, morphing and surreal – a new AI aesthetic is emerging in film
Emerging from generative AI’s quirky landscape, artists are creatively experimenting with new cinematic storytelling, blending surrealism and nostalgia, while transforming challenges into vibrant, imaginative experiences for all to enjoy.
Holly Willis, University of Southern California
Type text into AI image and video generators, and you’ll often see outputs of unusual, sometimes creepy, pictures.
In a way, this is a feature, not a bug, of generative AI. And artists are wielding this aesthetic to create a new storytelling art form.
The tools, such as Midjourney to generate images, Runway and Sora to produce videos, and Luma AI to create 3D objects, are relatively cheap or free to use. They allow filmmakers without access to major studio budgets or soundstages to make imaginative short films for the price of a monthly subscription.
I’ve studied these new works as the co-director of the AI for Media & Storytelling studio at the University of Southern California.
Surveying the increasingly captivating output of artists from around the world, I partnered with curators Jonathan Wells and Meg Grey Wells to produce the Flux Festival, a four-day showcase of experiments in AI filmmaking, in November 2024.
While this work remains dizzyingly eclectic in its stylistic diversity, I would argue that it offers traces of insight into our contemporary world. I’m reminded that in both literary and film studies, scholars believe that as cultures shift, so do the way we tell stories.
With this cultural connection in mind, I see five visual trends emerging in film.
1. Morphing, blurring imagery
In her “NanoFictions” series, the French artist Karoline Georges creates portraits of transformation. In one short, “The Beast,” a burly man mutates from a two-legged human into a hunched, skeletal cat, before morphing into a snarling wolf.
The metaphor – man is a monster – is clear. But what’s more compelling is the thrilling fluidity of transformation. There’s a giddy pleasure in seeing the figure’s seamless evolution that speaks to a very contemporary sensibility of shapeshifting across our many digital selves. https://www.youtube.com/embed/on1K_xXcjW0?wmode=transparent&start=0 Karoline Georges’ short film ‘The Beast.’
This sense of transformation continues in the use of blurry imagery that, in the hands of some artists, becomes an aesthetic feature rather than a vexing problem.
Theo Lindquist’s “Electronic Dance Experiment #3,” for example, begins as a series of rapid-fire shots showing flashes of nude bodies in a soft smear of pastel colors that pulse and throb. Gradually it becomes clear that this strange fluidity of flesh is a dance. But the abstraction in the blur offers its own unique pleasure; the image can be felt as much as it can be seen.
2. The surreal
Thousands of TikTok videos demonstrate how cringey AI images can get, but artists can wield that weirdness and craft it into something transformative. The Singaporean artist known as Niceaunties creates videos that feature older women and cats, riffing on the concept of the “auntie” from Southeast and East Asian cultures.
In one recent video, the aunties let loose clouds of powerful hairspray to hold up impossible towers of hair in a sequence that grows increasingly ridiculous. Even as they’re playful and poignant, the videos created by Niceaunties can pack a political punch. They comment on assumptions about gender and age, for example, while also tackling contemporary issues such as pollution.
On the darker side, in a music video titled “Forest Never Sleeps,” the artist known as Doopiidoo offers up hybrid octopus-women, guitar-playing rats, rooster-pigs and a wood-chopping ostrich-man. The visual chaos is a sweet match for the accompanying death metal music, with surrealism returning as a powerful form.
3. Dark tales
The often-eerie vibe of so much AI-generated imagery works well for chronicling contemporary ills, a fact that several filmmakers use to unexpected effect.
In “La Fenêtre,” Lucas Ortiz Estefanell of the AI agency SpecialGuestX pairs diverse image sequences of people and places with a contemplative voice-over to ponder ideas of reality, privacy and the lives of artificially generated people. At the same time, he wonders about the strong desire to create these synthetic worlds. “When I first watched this video,” recalls the narrator, “the meaning of the image ceased to make sense.”
In the music video titled “Closer,” based on a song by Iceboy Violet and nueen, filmmaker Mau Morgó captures the world-weary exhaustion of Gen Z through dozens of youthful characters slumbering, often under the green glow of video screens. The snapshot of a generation that has come of age in the era of social media and now artificial intelligence, pictured here with phones clutched close to their bodies as they murmur in their sleep, feels quietly wrenching.
4. Nostalgia
Sometimes filmmakers turn to AI to capture the past.
Rome-based filmmaker Andrea Ciulu uses AI to reimagine 1980s East Coast hip-hop culture in “On These Streets,” which depicts the city’s expanse and energy through breakdancing as kids run through alleys and then spin magically up into the air.
Ciulu says that he wanted to capture New York’s urban milieu, all of which he experienced at a distance, from Italy, as a kid. The video thus evokes a sense of nostalgia for a mythic time and place to create a memory that is also hallucinatory. https://www.youtube.com/embed/FKTyGJar-dE?wmode=transparent&start=0 Andrea Ciulu’s short film ‘On These Streets.’
Similarly, David Slade’s “Shadow Rabbit” borrows black-and-white imagery reminiscent of the 1950s to show small children discovering miniature animals crawling about on their hands. In just a few seconds, Slade depicts the enchanting imagination of children and links it to generated imagery, underscoring AI’s capacities for creating fanciful worlds.
5. New times, new spaces
In his video for the song “The Hardest Part” by Washed Out, filmmaker Paul Trillo creates an infinite zoom that follows a group of characters down the seemingly endless aisle of a school bus, through the high school cafeteria and out onto the highway at night. The video perfectly captures the zoominess of time and the collapse of space for someone young and in love haplessly careening through the world.
The freewheeling camera also characterizes the work of Montreal-based duo Vallée Duhamel, whose music video “The Pulse Within” spins and twirls, careening up and around characters who are cut loose from the laws of gravity.
In both music videos, viewers experience time and space as a dazzling, topsy-turvy vortex where the rules of traditional time and space no longer apply.
Right now, in a world where algorithms increasingly shape everyday life, many works of art are beginning to reflect how intertwined we’ve become with computational systems.
What if machines are suggesting new ways to see ourselves, as much as we’re teaching them to see like humans?
Holly Willis, Professor of Cinematic Arts, University of Southern California
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Entertainment
Hollywood’s Biggest Night Gets the Ultimate Toast: Tequila Don Julio’s Oscars®-Worthy Cocktails
Tequila Don Julio returns to the Oscars® on March 2, 2025, showcasing signature cocktails while pledging $500,000 for fire relief efforts, combining celebration with community support and artistic ventures.
As the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s biggest night draws near, anticipation fills the air. This year, on March 2, 2025, the Oscars® will once again illuminate the entertainment industry, and Tequila Don Julio is ready to help celebrate in style. Returning for the eighth consecutive year as a proud partner of the Governors Ball—the official after-party of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—Tequila Don Julio is set to dazzle with a cocktail experience that pays homage to both film and culture.
Crafting an Exquisite Cocktail Experience
In collaboration with globally acclaimed mixologist Charles Joly and the acclaimed Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City, Tequila Don Julio has curated a stunning lineup of signature cocktails that draw inspiration from the rich, vibrant flavors of Modern Mexico. Each cocktail promises to elevate the evening, ensuring that every sip is as memorable as the moments celebrated on stage.
“Each cocktail gets the star-studded treatment with Tequila Don Julio at the foundation,” says Joly. “It’s an incredible honor for us to show up with celebratory cocktails made just for that night.” With this level of thoughtfulness, Tequila Don Julio is ready to impress not just the stars walking the red carpet, but also those tuning in from home.
A Toast to Resilience
This year’s festivities carry an added layer of significance, as Tequila Don Julio has pledged $500,000 to support Los Angeles fire relief efforts. In the wake of the devastating wildfires that have impacted the community, the brand is stepping up to lend a helping hand, emphasizing their commitment to the city that has been a second home for them.
Tequila Don Julio is partnering with affected Mexican artists to auction unique artwork pieces via Charitybuzz.com, with proceeds directed towards the Another Round Another Rally’s Disaster Relief Fund. This endeavor not only supports the artistic community but also provides essential relief to hospitality workers affected by the wildfires.
Icons in a Glass
The cocktail selection debuting at the Governors Ball includes an impressive array of concoctions, designed to impress even the most discerning palates. Here are a couple of standout creations:
Golden Age Gimlet
By Handshake Speakeasy
This refreshing cocktail features:
- 1 ½ oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco
- 1 ½ oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz Vanilla Syrup
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake thoroughly, and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an olive.
The Clear Winner
By Charles Joly
A delightful mix that brings out the best in Tequila Don Julio Reposado:
- 1 ½ oz Tequila Don Julio Reposado
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
- 1 oz Tamarind Syrup
- 1 ½ oz Hibiscus Tea
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a Collins glass over a large format ice cube. Garnish with a citrus slice.
Celebrating with Responsibility
As Hollywood’s brightest stars gather for a night filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt speeches, Tequila Don Julio encourages everyone—both in-person and at home—to celebrate responsibly. With innovative cocktails and a commitment to community support, Tequila Don Julio is not just raising glasses; they are raising hopes for a brighter future in Los Angeles.
In a industry where celebration often goes hand-in-hand with giving back, Tequila Don Julio is a refreshing reminder that one can enjoy the good times while also uplifting those in need. So, as you gear up for Oscars® night, why not mix up a signature cocktail, toast to the resilience of the community, and enjoy the magic of cinema with a twist of Mexico?
For updates on the auction and cocktail recipes, follow @donjuliotequila on social media. Here’s to Hollywood’s biggest night—you won’t want to miss a moment! Cheers! 🥂
ABOUT TEQUILA DON JULIO
Founded on the pioneering agricultural principles of Don Julio González and his personal pursuit of perfection, Tequila Don Julio revolutionized the tequila industry and set the standard for ultra-premium tequila. The original luxury tequila of choice in Mexico, Tequila Don Julio uses only the highest caliber, fully matured and ripened Blue Agave that has been hand-selected from the rich, clay soils of the Los Altos region of the state of Jalisco. The Tequila Don Julio portfolio includes Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Tequila Don Julio Reposado, Tequila Don Julio Añejo, Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino, Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel, Tequila Don Julio 1942, and Tequila Don Julio Ultima Reserva. For more information on Tequila Don Julio, please visit www.DonJulio.com.
**Amount donated excludes credit card fees and auctioneer’s fees. Minimum bid for each artwork, $5,000. No bid accepted/no donation made if auction reserve price is not met. Must be 21+ with valid credit card to place bid. Auction dates: 2/25/2025 -3/11/2025. Auctioneer: CharityBuzz, LLC, 437 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Donation made to Another Round Another Rally, https://AnotherRoundAnotherRally.org, 1 N 1st Street Suite 7245, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Winning bids may not be tax deductible.
SOURCE Tequila Don Julio
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Entertainment
Unearthing Hidden Treasures: Redbreast Irish Whiskey and Andrew Scott Join Forces with SXSW Film & TV Festival
In a delightful fusion of cinematic artistry and whiskey craftsmanship, Redbreast Irish Whiskey has announced its partnership with acclaimed Irish actor Andrew Scott and the prestigious SXSW Film & TV Festival to launch ‘Redbreast Unhidden.’ This ambitious initiative aims to celebrate and showcase the hidden gems within the film industry, providing talented filmmakers with a platform to shine and audiences with a chance to discover unique stories.
A New Era for Film and Whiskeys
The ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ campaign marks an exciting chapter in Redbreast’s new global initiative, ‘Quite the Find,’ which emphasizes the joy of discovery. Just as the first sip of Redbreast reveals a complex tapestry of flavors, this partnership seeks to uncover extraordinary films that might otherwise fly under the radar. The campaign is a testament to both the art of filmmaking and the tradition of whiskey-making that Redbreast has perfected over the last century.
Nodjame Fouad, CEO of Irish Distillers, expressed the essence of this collaboration beautifully when he said, “We invite whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers on a journey that celebrates craftsmanship, character, and complexity in the creative worlds of whiskey and film.” Redbreast’s rich and complex profiles perfectly mirror the multifaceted stories told by independent filmmakers, making this partnership a match made in creative heaven.
Handpicked by Talent: The Short Films Selection
At the heart of ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ lies an exciting selection of six short films that exemplify the spirit of this initiative. Curated by Andrew Scott, the films span a variety of genres, reflecting themes of authenticity, resilience, and discovery. Here’s a glimpse at the exceptional works that will be showcased at SXSW:
- One Day This Kid by Alexander Farah
- Entre Tormentas by Frank Zayas
- Nervous Energy by Eve Lui
- Sweetbriar by Danny Rivera
- Brief Somebodies by Andy Reid
- I’m The Most Racist Person I Know by Leela Varghese
Each film captures a unique perspective, ranging from poignant dramas to clever comedies, inviting audiences to engage with pressing societal themes like identity, familial love, and personal struggles.
Celebrating Emerging Voices with the ‘Redbreast Unhidden Award’
The collaboration doesn’t stop at showcasing remarkable films; it also aims to uplift emerging voices in the industry. At this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival, the inaugural ‘Redbreast Unhidden Award’ will be presented. One deserving filmmaker will be honored with a financial award, providing them the support needed to pursue their artistic vision. Andrew Scott himself will participate in selecting the winner, embodying the initiative’s aim to nurture the next generation of creators.
An Invitation to Experience Cinema Like Never Before
From March 11 to 13, 2025, Redbreast will host a series of immersive events at SXSW, inviting attendees to enjoy curated film screenings and explore a hidden speakeasy cinema-inspired bar. For those unable to attend the festival in Austin, fear not! Redbreast is also bringing the spirit of SXSW to major cities across the globe with exclusive film and cocktail experiences, allowing fans to uncover hidden gems from the comfort of their local community.
As Francis Román, Senior Film & TV Programming Manager at SXSW, aptly put it, “The beauty of programming is finding those hidden gems.”
Join the Adventure
The ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ platform opens up a world of discovery for film lovers and whiskey aficionados alike. Whether you’re a long-time fan of independent cinema or new to the scene, this initiative encourages exploration and appreciation for the artistry behind the camera.
To dive deeper into this collaboration, discover the films being showcased, and stay updated on local events, head to Redbreast’s SXSW page and follow @RedbreastUS on social media.
So, pour yourself a glass of Redbreast, sit back, and prepare to embark on a cinematic journey that will surely reveal stories worth discovering! Cheers to celebrating creativity and the joy of the unexpected!
Follow Redbreast on social:
Instagram @RedbreastUS
Facebook @RedbreastSinglePotStill
About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard company, is a producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys and Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson is the world’s bestselling and most awarded Irish whiskey, a top 3 selling international whiskey brand and a top 10 international spirits brand, achieving +1% net sales growth globally in FY24. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets around the world.
Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son, and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network.
In 2025, Midleton Distillery celebrates 200 years of distilling excellence by unveiling stories from the Irish Distillers archives and hosting a series of special whiskey launches and events.
We employ over 800 people across our operations in Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland.
About Pernod Ricard USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world’s second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
SOURCE Redbreast Irish Whiskey
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
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Festivals
ITALY, KEY-THE ENERGY TRANSITION EXPO, THE ENERGY TRANSITION COMMUNITY’S GLOBAL REFERENCE NETWORK, IS ABOUT TO START
Energy Transition Expo
- From 5th to 7th March, at Italian Exhibition Group’s Rimini Expo Centre, about 35% international exhibitor brands and over 250 top buyers and delegations from 48 countries expected
- The event consolidates its role as a key international player thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Trade Agency, collaboration with over 40 foreign associations and a worldwide network of agents
RIMINI, Italy /PRNewswire/ — Over 1,000 exhibitors in over 90,000 square metres of exhibition area and 20 halls for KEY-The Energy Transition Expo, Italian Exhibition Group’s energy transition and efficiency event, a reference point in Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean basin, from 5th to 7th March at Rimini Expo Centre in Italy. KEY is set to be the largest and most international edition ever.
Peraboni, Astolfi and Previati comment:
“With over 250 top buyers and delegations from 48 countries,” says Corrado Peraboni, CEO IEG, “and North Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans and Eastern Europe among the most represented geographical areas, the upcoming edition is growing strongly on the international front. Moreover, the number of exhibitors, up 20% compared to 2024, will see 35% arriving from abroad.“
Alessandra Astolfi, Global Exhibition Manager at IEG, adds, “The event therefore consolidates its role as a reference network for the global energy transition and efficiency community thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the Italian Trade Agency, and collaboration with over 40 of the sector’s leading foreign associations and the network of agents throughout the world.”
“The extraordinary ability of KEY to unite the sector’s major players during the three days of the Rimini event,” says IEG Exhibition Manager Christian Previati, “favours the encounter, confrontation and dialogue with the institutions and aims to create a system and contribute to speeding up the decarbonisation process.”
The programme of events, organised by the Technical-Scientific Committee, chaired by Professor Gianni Silvestrini, is also international in scope and will include, among the others, the German-Italian Energy Talk on the importance of green hydrogen, organised by ITKAM-Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany and Deutsche Messe AG; Accelerating sustainable electrification: the key to economic and social development on the African continent by the RES4Africa Foundation, and Decarbonising Italy’s Electricity by Ibesa.
The full programme on the link
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