Human Concepts: A Cinematic Journey of Social Reflection and Digital Creativity
Human Concepts is a series of experimental short films created using artificial intelligence (AI) that explores the most significant dilemmas of the modern world: war, peace, social inequality, migration and the climate crisis. Through visual metaphors, each episode examines the cognitive dissonances and belief systems that underlie current social and global realities. The series, directed by the Costa Rican filmmaker Andrés Bronnimann, seeks not only to provoke deep reflection in the audience, but also to demonstrate the power of AI as a creative tool in independent film production.
Featured Short Films:
GREENWASH
GREENWASH is a visual poem that critiques the commercialized “green” movement, uncovering the ironies of an environmental activism that, instead of promoting sustainability, is caught up in exploitation and overconsumption. The narrative of this short film delves into the contradictions between the proclaimed environmental values and the actual practices of those leading the movement, highlighting the cognitive dissonance that prevails today.
GENTRIFIED
This short film addresses the problems of gentrification in Latin America, where cultural erosion and economic exploitation driven by migration and mass tourism transform urban and rural landscapes. Perhaps the most important of all, Gentrified reveals how local traditions and natural environments are commodified to satisfy the demands of wealthy tourists, often at the expense of the local population. Made and produced in Costa Rica, the short film presents a stark reflection on cultural dispossession.
KINGDOM
KINGDOM explores the impact of free will and inherited trauma on the lives of individuals, especially the very young. Through a mix of photorealistic and digital animation, this short film shows how children born in contexts of war or social conflict are shaped by invisible but powerful structures that affect their perceptions of the world. The short film questions the extent to which our decisions are really free from social conditioning.
JUXTAPOSITIONS
By means of contrasting images, JUXTAPOSITIONS addresses social inequality, exploring the gap between the rich and the poor, between those who have access to resources and those who live in extreme poverty. In contrast, through the juxtaposition of everyday situations of different social classes, this short film presents a reflection on the abysmal differences that persist in our globalized society.
Project Objectives and Social Impact
The project is defined as an exploration not only of deep social issues, but also of the potential of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Through its innovative approach, the series seeks to open a space for viewers to reflect on the problems facing the modern world, from the climate crisis to forced migration. Beyond that, the project seeks to inspire other filmmakers and artists to use AI as a tool to democratize artistic production, allowing independent creators to bring to life visions that would otherwise be unattainable due to budgetary constraints.
The short films, considered “visual poems”, attempt to generate deep introspection, inviting viewers to reflect on the contradictions and tensions inherent in our contemporary world.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Kinematic Creation
One of the most innovative aspects of Human Concepts is its use of generative AI as a creative tool. Filmmaker Andrés Bronnimann, who assumed the roles of producer, screenwriter and director, has integrated advanced technologies such as Runway ML, Luma Labs, Kling, Haiper and MidJourney to create the visuals. This approach not only revolutionizes the production process, but allows infinite flexibility in creating images that previously existed only in the imagination of artists. AI facilitates the creation of visual sequences and animations that, if produced using traditional methods, would have required millions of dollars in resources and equipment.
The process of creating the short films begins with scriptwriting and the conceptualization of visual metaphors, followed by the generation of images based on accurate textual descriptions. This footage is then edited and curated by Bronnimann to convey the desired message, a process that combines creativity, technical skill and a deep connection to the subject matter.
Acknowledgements and Festival Reception
So far, more than 30 international festivals have selected the project, among them Greenwash, Gentrified and Kingdom as the most recognized. The series has participated in prestigious events such as the Evolution Mallorca Film Festival (Spain), the 14th Annual Video Art & Experimental Film Festival (USA) and the Drama International Short Film Festival (Greece), among others.
Aside from that, he has received several awards, including the Cinematic Singularity Award at BAIFF and the Best Video-Creation at the Girona International Film Festival.
In other words, Human Concepts represents a milestone in experimental filmmaking and visual storytelling. Through its innovative use of artificial intelligence and its exploration of pressing social issues, the series not only challenges cinematic conventions, but also offers a profound reflection on the values, beliefs and contradictions that mark our times. With a unique aesthetic and provocative narrative approach, Human Concepts invites the audience to question the world we build and imagine a better one.
Sensorial Sunsets
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