Documentary traces the physical supply chain behind artificial intelligence
A new film set to premiere at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest examines the mining, manufacturing, and labor required to build AI infrastructure.
By Chioma Kuznetsov ·
For many users, artificial intelligence exists as a digital service with no visible physical form. A new documentary aims to change that perception by detailing the tangible resources and labor required to build the technology.
The film, titled “The Technological Sublime,” was directed by Jannes Callens. It is currently seeking final financing before its world premiere at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF) in Taipei. The project is a co-production involving Visualantics and Cobra Films from Brussels, Tag Film from Paris, and Reel Asia Pictures from Taipei.
The narrative follows the supply chain across four continents. It begins in quartz mines in the Appalachian region of the United States. The journey continues to chip manufacturing plants in Taiwan and lithium extraction sites in Chile. The film also documents undersea cables and the work of click-workers in Kenya who help train algorithms.
Callens stated that his interest in the project stemmed from the difficulty of visualizing the technology. He noted that people often treat AI as abstract and invisible. His research revealed a concrete ecosystem that exists behind the concept of green AI. An online search for AI typically displays robotic figures, but rarely shows the infrastructure underneath, which motivated him to capture the material reality.
The director described the project as a work of art intended to add nuance to the debate. He hopes to show the technological achievements without ignoring the ecological and human costs. He previously directed “Dor (Longing),” a film about a young man returning to Romania to become a shepherd, which won the Best Belgian Film award at the Brussels Independent Film Festival.
Delegate producer Steven Dhoedt has worked on technology projects for years. His 2010 documentary “Inside the Metaverse” examined virtual worlds before the term became mainstream. Dhoedt said the new film avoids a sensational approach in favor of a grounded perspective. He believes this type of storytelling is necessary in the current market.
Belgian broadcaster VRT has joined the project as an investor. The team is currently in talks with other European broadcasters and is looking for additional partners. The producers plan to use the festival to meet with distributors and sales agents. TCCF, organized by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency, runs from Nov. 6 to Nov. 9 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.
