Exploring AI's Impact Through Film: 'Humans in the Loop'

New Delhi, Sep 3 (PTI) - Filmmaker Aranya Sahay delves into the impact of artificial intelligence through the lens of representation with his film "Humans in the Loop". Set against the backdrop of Jharkhand, the narrative follows Nehma, a tribal woman who embarks on a new journey at an AI data-labelling center after her divorce. Initially enthusiastic, Nehma faces challenges as she becomes aware of the biases in the data she handles. Her relationship with her daughter, who yearns for the city, adds another layer of complexity to the story.

Sahay, a graduate in political science and history from St Stephen's College and an alum of the FTII direction course, was inspired by an article on Adivasi women’s encounter with AI in Jharkhand. "Humans in the Loop" evolved into a critique of AI’s training, questioning its reliance on Eurocentric data.

In an interview with PTI, Sahay described how data labellers process countless images to assist algorithms in differentiating between objects. Comparatively, this process mirrored parenting, where societal morals are often imparted to children. "The film raises an important conversation: If AI impacts all of humanity, does it truly represent us all, or merely a Eurocentric viewpoint?" said Sahay.

Making its rounds at various film festivals, including MAMI and Cinevesture, "Humans in the Loop" has been recognized with the FIPRESCI India award. With Kiran Rao and Biju Toppo on board as executive producers, the film is set to screen at the Jagran Film Festival in Delhi and release in select theaters on September 5.

Sharing insights from spending almost a year in Jharkhand, Sahay noted how remnants of colonial structures serve as a reminder of how indigenous lifestyles were once deemed primitive. This historical context lends urgency to the movie’s central premise: the potential for AI, primarily trained on data from the developed world, to perpetuate similar misconceptions today.

Highlighting his goal of portraying AI’s current impact, Sahay deliberately avoided futuristic depictions, aiming instead to capture real-time interactions with AI systems. The film’s protagonist, Nehma, embodies a deep reverence for nature, indicative of tribal culture. This is contrasted with how modern society often overlooks the nuances of such knowledge systems.

Sahay remarked on the hierarchical nature of knowledge perception, explaining, "Certain systems are deemed superior, while others are dismissed as primitive. Conversations with locals revealed a depth of gratitude for nature, contrasting starkly with our modern sense of entitlement."

Though the film addresses the intersection of technology and human life, Sahay emphasizes its character-driven narrative, with the central story focusing on the bond between Nehma and her daughter. Through this emotional core, the film explores themes of technology, imperialism, and AI biases.

Influenced by sci-fi films like Denis Villeneuve’s "Arrival" and Christopher Nolan’s "Interstellar", Sahay’s socio-cultural background, with both parents as sociologists, informs his storytelling. Although initially drawn to music—having studied Hindustani classical—the filmmaker shifted focus to cinema, aiming to explore deeper societal narratives.

"Humans in the Loop" stars Sonal Madhushankar, Gita Guha, Vikas Gupta, Anurag Lugun, and Ridhima Singh, among others.

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