Pinoy-directed action thriller features human, AI characters

The title of the forthcoming movie by Filipino director Danni Ugali may represent fire and ice. "Nuclear Winter" also connotes a change in climate and forebodes a gloomy plight. That's perhaps the initial tone of his action-thriller, but definitely there's a ray of sunshine towards the end.

- By JERRY DONATO

Produced by the UAE-based production company Rich Talent Vision, it will have its red-carpet premieres at the Gateway Cineplex Cinema 11 on Sept. 8 and at the SM Cebu on Sept. 9. Sept. 10 will see its nationwide release.

"This is my fourth (full-length film), and I've done around seven to eight shorts," said Danni, whose previous films include "The Maid in London" and "Bakas ni Yamashita," in a recent media group chat before the actual press conference for the movie began.

"Definitely, there's war, and (the story) happens during the winter season," added he. The film trailers pique one's interest by giving one sights and soundbites about challenging powerful states and anticipating a new world order. However, what's interesting to note, too, is the use of artificial intelligence, or AI, in the telling of the story.

"The first AI Filipino made," shared Danni about the film, also mentioning the use of face swapping as an image processing method. "May mga characters na hindi mo malalaman kung AI ba... depende kung ano 'to, kung mahahalata mo siyang AI, pero merong mga characters dito na mga support na AI generated talaga siya (there are characters you wouldn't know if AI, but it depends if you'll notice it. There are supporting characters that have been AI generated)."