AI and footage of bombings in Ukraine: Polish director to release film about mad Putin

Besaleel's film is creating quite a stir as it's set to test the waters of audience acceptance for AI in cinema. Using artificial intelligence developed in-house with his own tech company AIO, Besaleel aims to bring Putin to life like never before. This isn't merely a case of fancy makeup or prosthetics – it's a full-on deepfake experience, claimed to be the first of its kind in a feature film

The German group Kinostar is handling the global distribution for "Putin," and they're gearing up to pitch it to international distributors at the prestigious Cannes film market. The film itself has already made waves since Kinostar began selling it at the AFM last year, and it's slated for release in multiple European territories.

So, how did Besaleel pull off this technological feat? He reportedly shot scenes with a Polish actor resembling Putin and then used AI technology to superimpose Putin's face onto the actor's, creating a seamless and realistic effect. According to Besaleel, this level of authenticity would have been impossible to achieve with traditional makeup or prosthetics.

But "Putin" isn't just about showcasing cutting-edge technology; it's also a gripping political thriller and psychological portrait of the Russian president. Besaleel, known for his slick and successful Polish gangster movies, is making his English-language debut with this film. He's framing Putin's life story as the rise of the ultimate gangster, exploring real-life events such as the Moscow theater hostage crisis and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

However, it's not all glamour and glory in this portrayal. The film reportedly paints a dark and unflattering picture of Putin, showing him in vulnerable moments like wearing soiled diapers and engaging in scandalous affairs. It also doesn't shy away from depicting his involvement in controversial political decisions and actions.

Interestingly, the project was announced back in 2022, shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It's been in development for over two years, with intensive work going into training the AI to accurately replicate Putin's likeness on screen. The real litmus test for this groundbreaking technology will come when "Putin" hits theaters in Eastern Europe on September 26.

In essence, "Putin" isn't just a movie; it's a bold experiment that challenges our perceptions of AI in filmmaking. Whether it's embraced as a revolutionary step forward or criticized for its ethical implications, one thing's for sure – it's sparking conversations and pushing the boundaries of cinematic innovation.