As the founder of the NY Dog Film Festival and the NY Cat Film Festival, I’ve spent more than a decade curating animal films in every imaginable style—hand-drawn animation, stop motion, documentary, experimental shorts, and deeply personal stories that took years to complete.
This year, something new happened.
For the first time, I received angry emails accusing one of our selected films of being “AI-generated slop” and therefore undeserving of inclusion. The film in question—The Singular Affair of the Missing Ball by veteran filmmaker John Semper—became a lightning rod for fear and misinformation about AI in filmmaking.
That accusation deserves a clear response.
I spoke directly with John on Dog Talk in an episode titled
🎧 Don’t Be Scared of AI Films—Because They’re Here to Stay.
What he shared - and what other filmmakers in our festivals demonstrate - matters for anyone concerned about creativity, ethics, and the future of film.
AI in Filmmaking Is a Tool, Not a Shortcut
AI is not a magic button that “makes a film.” It is a collection of evolving digital tools, many of which are already embedded in software filmmakers have used for years. Creativity, authorship, judgment, and storytelling remain human responsibilities.
That’s true across our festivals, including these recent examples.
How Filmmakers Are Using AI Responsibly in the NY Dog Film Festival & NY Cat Film Festival
John Semper — The Singular Affair of the Missing Ball
“AI didn’t make my film—I did. I used a range of digital tools, some of which now include AI, but every creative decision, the writing, and the storytelling were entirely human.”
The Singular Affair of the Missing Ball — Directed by John Semper. AI-assisted tools were used in production, with all creative direction, writing, and storytelling driven by the filmmaker.
Kim Best — When Left Is Right
Kim Best is a lifelong filmmaker whose work has appeared in every year of the NY Cat Film Festival. Two years ago, she received our Visionary Award for her originality and range.
“AI allowed me to visually explore a playful idea that couldn’t be told as a traditional documentary—while keeping the story clearly original and intentionally recognizable as animation.”
When Left Is Right — Directed by Kim Best. A lighthearted animated short using AI as an illustrative tool to support an original comedic concept.
Shafeer Shamsudheen — A Hand to Home
Shafeer Shamsudheen is a graphic designer and animator whose work focuses on emotional storytelling and social impact.
“AI-assisted animation helped me focus on emotional storytelling—using technology to amplify compassion, not replace creativity.”
A Hand to Home — Directed by Shafeer Shamsudheen. An AI-assisted animated film using digital tools and narration to tell a human-centered story about cat adoption.
Is AI-Assisted Film Legitimate?
Yes.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - the organization behind the Oscars - allows AI tools to be used in Oscar-eligible films, provided humans remain creatively responsible for the work.
That matters.
AI does not automatically diminish artistic value. It does not invalidate authorship. And it does not disqualify a film from serious consideration.
Fear Is Understandable. Attacking Artists Is Not.
There are real concerns about AI including misuse, consent, compensation, and deception. Those conversations are necessary and ongoing. But misrepresenting how films are made or attacking artists who are working transparently and thoughtfully does nothing to resolve them.
Exploration is not exploitation. Curiosity is not cheating.
What the Festivals Stand For
The NY Dog Film Festival and NY Cat Film Festival celebrate storytelling about animals across styles, generations, and technologies. We are not frozen in time. We are a living, traveling showcase of creativity and compassion.
As the festivals continue touring the country, audiences can watch these films and decide for themselves—just as art has always invited us to do.
AI is here.
Storytelling is still human.
Both can coexist.
🎧 I encourage you to listen to the entire interview here.
— Tracie Hotchner
Founder, NY Dog Film Festival & NY Cat Film Festival