Artificial Intelligence is no longer just the realm of science fiction—it is rapidly transforming our world. From healthcare and finance to creative arts and military strategy, AI is shaping industries and daily life. “Narrow AI” already powers virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, fuels recommendation algorithms, and enables self-driving vehicles. As AI grows more advanced, experts speculate about the arrival of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—machines that could think, learn, and reason like humans. Would AGI be a partner in solving humanity’s greatest challenges, or might it evolve beyond our control, reshaping society in unpredictable ways?

For decades, filmmakers have grappled with these questions, depicting AI as both a technological marvel and a potential existential threat. This 14-week discussion group will explore the promises and perils of AI through the lens of cinema. Each session will analyze a film that raises profound ethical, philosophical, and logistical questions about artificial intelligence—its impact on society, autonomy, consciousness, and human identity.

Through these films, we will discuss AI’s real-world implications, including its role in the workforce, interpersonal relationships, privacy, mental health, predictive policing, military applications, and the possibility of surpassing human intelligence. By engaging with these cinematic narratives, participants will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s potential, its limitations, and the challenges it presents.

As with any film-based SDG, there will be lots to talk about aside from the subject matter of the films. Discussions will touch on writing, directing, musical score, cinematography and special effects, as well as box office and profitability. Additional materials may be provided to enhance discussions, such as articles about the ethics of taking humans out of decisions to kill on the battlefield, or the implications of relationships between humans and chatbots.

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