AI & Film Forum · September 14, 2026 · Toronto

Panel 1

AI and the Human Future of Film — Performance, identity and trust took centre stage in Panel 1 at the AI & Film Forum. Moderator Rupi Assi joined Galit Ariel, Eric Johnson and Sameen Ashraf for a conversation framed around a timely question: what keeps filmmaking meaningfully human in the age of synthetic media? These seven photographs move from the room and its moderator to individual contributions, shared reactions and a closing portrait.

Photographs

Curated selection

An audience faces four seated panel participants, with a camera operator beside the stage. AI & Film Forum, Panel 1, September 14, 2026. — The room comes together.Photo: Film Festival Connect

The moderator speaks into a microphone while consulting notes on his lap. AI & Film Forum, Panel 1, September 14, 2026. — Setting the conversation in motion.Photo: Film Festival Connect

A panel participant in a black hat gestures while holding a microphone. AI & Film Forum, Panel 1, September 14, 2026. — A perspective takes shape.Photo: Film Festival Connect

A panel participant in a denim jacket speaks into a microphone and gestures with his free hand. AI & Film Forum, Panel 1, September 14, 2026. — The human voice at the centre.Photo: Film Festival Connect

A panel participant in a black outfit speaks and gestures from a pink chair. AI & Film Forum, Panel 1, September 14, 2026. — Another voice joins the discussion.Photo: Film Festival Connect

The four participants share an animated moment, with the speaker on the left gesturing and the others smiling. AI & Film Forum, Panel 1, September 14, 2026. — An exchange, and a shared smile.Photo: Film Festival Connect

The four Panel 1 participants stand together for a portrait in front of the stage screen. AI & Film Forum, Panel 1, September 14, 2026. — Together after the conversation.Photo: Film Festival Connect

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Photo credits, sharing and special requests

Share these approved photographs with the visible watermark intact and credit Film Festival Connect. Tag @filmfestivalconnecttoronto. For clean images, press use, corrections or other permissions, contact rich@filmfestivalconnect.com.

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