A new collection of short films has stirred a heated debate. These films use AI to animate erotic photos from the 1970s. The project brings old magazine spreads to life with color, sound, and dialogue. It premiered at Cannes—not inside the official festival, but nearby—and is now streaming on Cultpix.

The Norwegian company Multiformat created these films. Their developer, Thomas Meier, applied generative AI tools to transform static images from 1976 into moving videos. These aren’t simple slideshows. The AI adds synchronized voices and sound effects, making the scenes feel alive. Physical releases on Blu-ray and even VHS tapes are planned by the distributor Klubb Super 8.

Cultpix CEO Rickard Gramfors said the goal was to spark conversation. He pointed out that what shocked people 50 years ago now seems tame. The project contrasts vintage adult imagery with today’s views on sexuality and media. The films act as a bridge between past and present cultural standards.

Public Outcry and Ethical Concerns

The project ignited fierce backlash online. Many criticized the use of AI to create erotic content featuring real people without their consent. Some pointed out that many women in the original photos are likely deceased. This raises serious questions about respect and privacy.

Critics called the films “vile” and “horrific.” They argue that digitally animating these images turns them into nonconsensual pornography. Social media users condemned the project for ignoring the rights and dignity of the women portrayed. Some demanded stricter rules on AI-generated sexual content.

Even though the original photos were published decades ago, many believe that consent to still images does not extend to AI-made videos. The creators defended their work by saying the actresses consented to being photographed and paid at the time. They described the films as an experiment meant to provoke discussion.

Technology Meets Archival Art

Technically, this project showcases how far AI has come in media creation. The process involves colorizing old black-and-white photos, animating facial movements, and generating synchronized speech. AI tools blend image-to-video synthesis with neural audio generation to create a seamless experience.

Animating archival photos is not new, but combining it with generative AI and sound is groundbreaking. The films offer a new way to revisit cultural history. They challenge viewers to rethink how technology can reshape memories and artworks from the past.

These AI-driven films also raise complex legal and creative questions. Who owns the rights to AI-altered images? What ethics should guide the use of AI to recreate people’s likenesses? This project shines a light on those debates in the arts and technology communities.

The Bigger Picture Around Vintage Erotica

This release fits into a larger trend of renewed interest in vintage erotica. Film festivals, cinemas, and archives have revisited adult films and imagery from the 1970s. Audiences and curators are exploring how cultural standards around sexuality and nudity have changed.

At Cannes, alongside this AI project, a restored print of Ken Russell’s “The Devils” was screened. That film faced heavy censorship in the past and remains a symbol of artistic freedom battles. Other retrospectives have examined Sweden’s permissive cinema history and grindhouse films.

Cultpix itself is a platform dedicated to cult and genre films. It specializes in grindhouse, martial arts, horror, and vintage erotica. The company’s blend of old-school content with new technology reflects its niche focus and desire to innovate.

Still, the controversy shows how AI in art isn’t without risk. Using AI to recreate people without clear consent crosses lines for many. This project forces us to confront how far we should let technology push boundaries in media and ethics.

For now, the films are available to watch online and soon on physical media. Whether they’re seen as art, provocation, or exploitation, they mark a new chapter in the intersection of AI, history, and culture.