Simulasi Estetika Pada Narasi Visual Film Generatif Nusantara Gajah Mada

Abstract

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology within the urban film industry creates efficiency shifts while sparking debates regarding the aesthetic status and the meaning of an artwork. This qualitative study aims to examine the artwork status of the AI documentary film “Nusantara: Gajah Mada” by Neyra Vision Studios that won an award at the AI Film Awards in Cannes 2025 using H.B. Sutopo’s Holistic Art Criticism approach, encompassing three pillars: genetic, objective, and affective factors. Results indicate that, regarding the genetic factor, high production efficiency (10 crew members) eliminates multi-departmental human collaboration (directors, actors, cinematographers, etc.) that brings human experience and unique emotion. Regarding the objective factor, the use of English instead of Old Javanese, along with predominantly static visuals and proportional inaccuracies, proves that the work operates as statistical pattern synthesis or simulated aesthetics. Regarding the affective factor, while public audiences generally appreciate the visuals, critical feedback labels the work as “soulless” and “AI slop” due to the absence of intention and lived human experience. This study concluded that the AI documentary “Nusantara: Gajah Mada” cannot yet be fully categorised as a complete artwork. Therefore, AI should ideally be positioned as a creative tool and working partner, while creative drive must remain with humans to preserve humanity in the art of storytelling.