Conversation in Town Square

Hey film fam! Get ready for a discussion that truly blurs the lines between art, technology, and legacy. Hot off the presses from TIFF: Mind The Gap Productions And Sales is selling international rights for the historical drama As Deep As The Grave, which features an AI version of the late Val Kilmer. Kilmer, who passed away in 2025, had signed on before the pandemic, and filmmakers obtained permission from his family to use AI to recreate him, complying with SAG-AFTRA guidelines and compensating his estate. This news is definitely sparking conversation! While the filmmakers state AI was used ethically to honor Kilmer's heritage and desire to bring the role to life, it inevitably raises questions about the future of performance. When is it a tribute, and when does it step into the uncanny valley? What are your thoughts on using AI to bring actors back to the screen after their passing?