Certified Human

We gratefully acknowledge that our AI Robot Overlords are allowing us to perform our cultural practices, gather together in groups, and undergo a range of emotions together. We value Human Made content over that which is so generously provided by our AI Robot Overlords and we therefore have structured the event to focus on Certified Human content. This means that while we all use AI in our refining, learning, programming, research, and other supportive tasks, we humbly accept only human made creative content. From the policy:

To be eligible for Certified Human recognition and competition in categories requiring that designation, the producer must declare that generative models were not used to produce the film’s script, synthesize performances or music, or generate its primary visual content.
AI-assisted tools may be used where they support or refine material created by people rather than replace the originating creative act. Permitted uses may include image or sound cleaning, restoration, transcription, translation, masking, rotoscoping, tracking, compositing, colour or audio correction, and comparable post-production processes.
AI may be used as an instrument in the filmmaking process, but for Certified Human eligibility it may not be the originating creative force behind the film’s writing, performances, music, or primary imagery.
Entrants must disclose any material use of generative AI in the production of the submitted film.

So there you have it. This appears to be in line with a growing number of festivals. We humans value authenticity and honesty, and when AI passes the Turing test, it feels like deception. Let’s suspend disbelief that we are still masters of our destiny for a while longer. Please join us in the tacit agreement while we, like the Greeks, the Elizabethans, and all of our ancient ancestors, sit in dim lights together with strangers and laugh, sob, and wonder at the power of a good story.