Italian producer Andrea Iervolino has unveiled The Sweet Idleness, a groundbreaking movie directed by an artificial intelligence system named FellinAI. Set in the year 2135, the film paints a dystopian picture where automation handles 99 percent of jobs, leaving just 1 percent of people to toil in harsh conditions while others enjoy endless leisure.
The Rise of AI in Filmmaking
This project comes hot on the heels of recent debates in Hollywood about AI’s role in entertainment. Just days after an AI generated actress called Tilly Norwood stirred controversy among actors and unions, Iervolino announced this film as the world’s first feature length effort helmed entirely by AI.
The teaser trailer, released on October 1, 2025, showcases a world divided by technology. In this future, most humans live in luxury, free from work, but a small group struggles in mines. Iervolino describes it as a tribute to the dreamy style of classic European directors like Federico Fellini, after whom the AI director is named.
FellinAI was designed to capture poetic and imaginative storytelling. It oversees the entire production, from script to visuals, using advanced tools to generate scenes and characters.
The film blends human input with digital creation. Actors lend their faces and voices, which AI then transforms into virtual performers through a system called Actor Plus.
Plot Details and Themes
The story unfolds in 2135, exploring what happens when machines take over nearly all labor. The logline highlights a stark divide: the majority relax in comfort, while the unlucky few handle dangerous manual tasks.
This narrative taps into real world fears about job loss due to automation. Recent studies show that by 2030, up to 800 million global jobs could be affected by AI and robots, according to a McKinsey report updated in 2025.
Themes include inequality, the value of work, and human purpose in a tech driven society. It questions if true freedom comes from idleness or meaningful effort.
Viewers see sepia toned scenes of miners in hard hats, contrasting with luxurious settings for the idle class. The film aims to spark discussions on how automation reshapes lives.
Behind the Scenes Innovation
Iervolino, known for hits like Ferrari and Waiting for the Barbarians, launched this under his company’s AI division. He calls it a new chapter for cinema, blending art with technology.
The production process involved real performers who consented to their digital recreations. This approach addresses some ethical concerns raised by industry groups like SAG AFTRA, which warn against replacing human talent.
FellinAI draws inspiration from Fellini’s masterpieces, infusing the film with surreal and poetic elements. The AI was trained on vast datasets of European films to mimic that style.
Challenges included ensuring the AI’s output felt authentic. Early tests focused on visual consistency and emotional depth, refining the system over months.
The film is slated for release in February 2026, with plans for international distribution.
Industry Reactions and Controversies
Hollywood’s response has been mixed. Some praise the innovation, while others fear job displacement for directors, actors, and crew.
Following the Tilly Norwood backlash, unions called for regulations on AI use. SAG AFTRA stated that technology should support, not supplant, human creativity.
On social media, posts reflect divided opinions:
- Supporters highlight how AI democratizes filmmaking, allowing smaller budgets to create big visions.
- Critics argue it devalues artistic skills honed over years.
- Tech enthusiasts point to similar experiments in music and art, seeing this as progress.
A recent poll by Variety in October 2025 showed 45 percent of respondents excited about AI directors, but 55 percent worried about ethics.
Impact on Future Jobs and Society
The film’s premise mirrors ongoing global shifts. In 2025, companies like Amazon and Tesla expanded automation, leading to layoffs in warehouses and factories.
Experts predict that by 2135, if trends continue, AI could automate routine tasks across sectors. Here’s a table of projected job impacts by industry based on 2025 World Economic Forum data:
| Industry | Percentage of Jobs at Risk by 2030 | Examples of Affected Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 25% | Assembly line workers |
| Retail | 20% | Cashiers, stock clerks |
| Transportation | 30% | Drivers, logistics staff |
| Healthcare | 15% | Administrative assistants |
| Finance | 18% | Data entry clerks |
This data underscores the film’s timely warning. Policymakers discuss universal basic income as a solution for widespread unemployment.
In education, schools now teach AI literacy to prepare students. The movie could influence public discourse on these issues.
What This Means for Cinema’s Evolution
The Sweet Idleness pushes boundaries, but it’s not alone. Other projects experiment with AI scripts and effects, like short films generated entirely by tools such as Midjourney and Luma AI.
Iervolino envisions more collaborations between humans and machines. He believes this enhances creativity, not replaces it.
For audiences, it offers a fresh viewing experience with seamless digital actors. Early reviews of the teaser note its visual flair, though some call the animation rubbery.
As AI advances, films like this may become common, blending reality and simulation.
What do you think about AI directing movies? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to keep the conversation going.
