The Violence in Iran Was Real. The Film Showing It Was A.I.

Ash Koosha, an Iranian-born filmmaker based in London, released *Dreams of Violets*, a 75-minute docudrama entirely created using generative AI, at the Tribeca Festival in Manhattan. The film recreates the violence of Iran’s January 2026 government crackdown on protesters, an event Koosha couldn’t document firsthand due to internet shutdowns in Tehran. With no actors, sets, or cameras, the project was built using AI tools from a London apartment, costing about $2,000. The film’s premiere marks the first time a major festival accepted a fully AI-generated live-action feature, according to Fountain 0, the studio behind it. Koosha designed the AI production pipeline himself, using technology as a means to express the real suffering he witnessed through limited real-world footage. Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal called the film a testament to AI’s transformative potential, stating it ‘would not exist without this technology.’ Critics had mixed reactions. Some attendees noted the AI-generated visuals appeared artificial, with one filmmaker, Andres Ramirez, comparing scenes to ‘early PlayStation 2 graphics.’ Despite flaws, many acknowledged the film’s boldness in using AI to fill gaps in real journalism, especially in censored regions. The project reflects broader industry debates over AI’s role in filmmaking—whether it’s a tool for innovation or a threat to creative jobs. Koosha, who left Iran in 2009 and works at a tech company, developed the film in late nights and early mornings. The low-cost production underscores how AI could democratize filmmaking, allowing independent creators to produce high-impact works without traditional resources. The Tribeca premiere drew attention, with audiences discussing both the film’s artistic merits and ethical implications of AI-generated storytelling.