Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho delivered provocative remarks about artificial intelligence during the Marrakech International Film Festival in Morocco, where he serves as jury president for the event's 22nd edition. The acclaimed Korean filmmaker, known for "Parasite" and "Okja," made headlines with his candid assessment of AI's impact on the film industry, offering both serious insights and humorous commentary about the technology's growing influence.

During a press conference on Saturday, Bong responded to questions about AI's rise in filmmaking with characteristically sharp wit and genuine concern. "My official answer is, AI is good because it's the very beginning of the human race finally seriously thinking about what only humans can do," he stated. However, he quickly followed with a more personal perspective: "But my personal answer is, I'm going to organize a military squad, and their mission is to destroy AI." This blend of humor and serious critique reflects the complex feelings many in the creative industry harbor toward artificial intelligence.

The director's concerns about AI are not new, having previously addressed the technology's disruptive impact on filmmaking at a global conference in Seoul last September. At that event, Bong described AI as "a great shock to the film industry," explaining how the technology has fundamentally altered conversations among creative professionals. "Filmmakers constantly talk about AI when they eat, drink coffee and even when they go home," he observed. "Because AI has shaken everything we believe in and are fascinated by regarding video, we feel both fear and excitement."

Interestingly, Bong acknowledged his own use of AI technology in his upcoming film "Mickey 17," demonstrating the complex reality facing modern filmmakers. He revealed that a scene featuring two versions of the main character, played by Robert Pattinson, required AI assistance for visual effects. "There is a scene in the film 'Mickey 17' where two Mickeys, meaning two Robert Pattinsons, appear on a single screen. Ironically, we received the help of AI for the visual effects of that scene," Bong explained. This admission highlights the paradox many directors face: criticizing AI while simultaneously utilizing it as a practical tool.

The director emphasized this contradiction, noting, "The reality is that we use AI technology as a tool, even in a movie that deals with how humanity is threatened by technological advancement, while the unique warmth and imperfection of humans remain." This statement underscores his belief that despite technological advances, human creativity possesses irreplaceable qualities that distinguish it from artificial intelligence.

Bong's fellow jury members at the Marrakech festival share his concerns about AI's potential impact on artistic expression. Director Celine Song, known for "Past Lives," and actress Jenna Ortega from "Wednesday" both participated in the press conference and voiced similar worries about artificial intelligence's role in creative industries. They emphasized that creative work fundamentally represents a human process that cannot be simplified into algorithms or reduced to computational processes.

The jury members expressed optimism about the future of human-created content, suggesting that audiences will eventually grow weary of AI-generated material. They believe this fatigue will lead people to place greater value on authentic human creativity and artistic expression. This perspective aligns with Bong's broader philosophy about the irreplaceable nature of human artistic vision and emotional authenticity in filmmaking.

The 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival continues through December 6, with Bong leading an eight-member jury tasked with evaluating submissions from filmmakers worldwide. His presence at the festival, along with his outspoken views on AI, has generated significant discussion about technology's role in cinema and the importance of preserving human creativity in an increasingly digital world.