AI in Cinema: Between Science and Storytelling
Before new technologies transform our world, they often appear first in fiction. Films allow us to imagine futures, test ideas and ask questions long before real systems exist. The new film series “AI in Cinema – Between Fiction and Research” at Programmkino Rex in Darmstadt invites us to look at artificial intelligence through this cultural lens.
Across six screenings, the series pairs iconic science-fiction films with current scientific perspectives. How do these films shape our expectations of intelligent machines? What fears do they reflect? And where does the research actually stand today?
A Space for Shared Understanding
Every third Tuesday of the month at 6 PM, the Rex will show a film in which AI plays a central role.
After each screening, a 30-minute discussion will follow. Researchers from fields such as computer science, psychology and cultural studies will offer insights into how plausible the film’s depiction of AI is, what ethical questions are raised and how these ideas resonate with current technological developments. Audience participation is encouraged.
Program
18 November – The Matrix (1999)
Discussion with Prof. Dr. Ralph Ewerth (University of Marburg / hessian.AI)
Research focus: multimodal modeling, machine learning, generative AI
16 December – Her (2013)
Discussion with Marie-Lene Meyer (Psychologist, human-centered AI)
& Anika Bert (Public Engagement, Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Darmstadt)
20 January – Blade Runner (1982)
Discussion with Ben Lohmann (Computer Science, Large Language Models)
17 February – Minority Report (2002)
Discussion with Tobias Kehl (Project Lead, AI Startup Rising)
17 March – Ex Machina (2014)
Discussion with Karin Gessler (Literature and Film Studies)
21 April – Mars Express (2023)
Discussion with Dr. Séverine Rupp (Quantum Chemistry, hessian.AI)
This series is organized in cooperation with hessian.AI and the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Darmstadt.
Together, we aim to encourage open dialogue between science, industry and the public – accessible, thoughtful and grounded in real-world questions.
