'Hell Grind' premiere at Cannes fuels debate over AI’s role in filmmaking

Cannes Film Festival has marked a major milestone in the evolution of cinema with the premiere of what is being described as the first fully AI-generated feature film, raising both excitement and concern across the film industry.

The film, titled Hell Grind, is a 90-minute sci-fi heist production created entirely using generative artificial intelligence tools by Higgsfield AI. Its debut this week at Cannes has positioned it as a watershed moment in filmmaking technology, highlighting how rapidly AI is entering mainstream creative spaces.

According to the creators, a team of around 15 directors, cinematographers, and editors worked on the project, completing the film in just two weeks with an estimated budget of $500,000—significantly lower than traditional feature film productions.

The company behind the film says the project demonstrates how AI can reduce production barriers and allow creators to develop feature-length content without the need for large studio infrastructure or blockbuster-level financing.

However, the film’s release has also reignited debate over the role of AI in creative industries, with some critics pointing to earlier generative AI video outputs that suffered from visual inconsistencies and unnatural details, often referred to online as “AI slop.”

Despite such concerns, Higgsfield Internal Director Adilet Abish defended the technology, arguing that AI should be seen as an extension of human creativity rather than a replacement.

“AI can help you tell the world about your story,” Abish said in comments to The Wall Street Journal, emphasizing its role as a creative tool rather than an autonomous filmmaker.

He also noted that traditional filmmaking skills remain essential, with emphasis on composition, sequencing, and storytelling fundamentals still requiring human oversight.

“You still need filmmaking skills,” added Higgsfield content lead Adil Alimzhanov, underscoring that creative direction cannot be fully delegated to machines.

While supporters see Hell Grind as a breakthrough in accessible filmmaking, critics and industry professionals have raised concerns about the potential impact on jobs and the broader future of human-led production in cinema.

The premiere at Cannes reflects a growing tension in Hollywood and global film industries as artificial intelligence continues to expand its influence over creative processes.