Ali Al-Kalthami: Artificial intelligence is a tool, not a goal, and replacing humans harms cinema
Listen to this article
Read by Anchor
Saudi director and writer Ali Al-Kalthami described artificial intelligence as “a tool, not a goal,” warning that any fixed perception of it today may become outdated tomorrow given the per-second evolution of its technologies. In an interview with Al-Sharq, he said that the rapid technological development in content creation does not change the essence of creative work, which remains based on idea, story and the ability to reach people.
Al-Kalthami affirmed that creativity is not tied to a ready-made formula; it is the result of a long process spanning years of brainstorming, research and writing, noting that idea development passes through complex stages of exploration and experimentation. He emphasized the importance of presenting stories that reflect Saudi society and touch its reality, considering genuine localism the path to global reach: “People connect with you when they see something honest and rooted in pure locality, and from there the work travels abroad.”
Warning against rapid replacement
Al-Kalthami warned against hasty uses of artificial intelligence in creative fields, especially film production, pointing to the need for regulatory and legislative frameworks that protect cultural industries and creative jobs. He said that producing entire films relying on AI and releasing them commercially could negatively affect workers in the cinema sector if the aim is merely to replace human talent and cut costs, adding: “There must be legislation governing this issue, and this has already begun in Europe and the United States; I believe it is coming to the Arab world and Saudi Arabia as well.”
A helpful tool, not a substitute
Al-Kalthami disclosed that he currently employs artificial intelligence as an assistive tool during the development and preparation stages of artistic works, using it to test ideas and explore visual concepts before actual execution: “I use AI for preliminary experiments before producing works. I can see the ideas in my mind, evaluate them, and identify technical problems that might arise before I start filming.” He noted that he is presently working on a number of new films, including a project in preparation that addresses the theme of identity.
This perspective arrives as Saudi cinema is undergoing a notable transformation, with 2025 revenues rising by 8.9% and the Red Sea International Film Festival continuing to serve as a prominent regional platform. Al-Kalthami’s experience, from the film “Night Representative” to his upcoming projects, illustrates how technology can serve authentic local storytelling rather than replace it, a lesson the entire Arab industry is learning at this moment of transition.