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Neill Blomkamp debuts 14-minute AI short 'Nightborne' amid mixed reactions

Neill Blomkamp released Nightborne, a roughly 14-minute short he says was created entirely with generative AI. The film uses 32 AI-generated characters and follows a helicopter pilot resurrected as a zombie super-soldier. Viewers noted technical issues, inconsistent assets and an uncanny-valley feel, with reactions ranging from apathetic to hostile. Blomkamp says he intends to make a feature-length AI film and has launched Barley Studios to pursue it.

• 14-minute short claimed to be made entirely with AI
• Features 32 AI characters modeled on real actors
• Critics and viewers cited technical flaws and uncanny-valley acting
• Blomkamp plans a feature and formed Barley Studios