PARK CITY, Utah — The 2026 Sundance Film Festival showcased a thought-provoking exploration of artificial intelligence through two distinctly different documentaries that delve into the technology's implications for humanity. Titled "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist" and "Ghost in the Machine," these films offer contrasting narratives on AI's evolution and its potential future, engaging audiences in a critical dialogue about the technology that increasingly shapes modern life. "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist," directed by Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell, screened in the festival's Premiere section. The documentary follows a father-to-be who is faced with the daunting question of whether it is safe to bring a child into a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing. Through a combination of home videos, animations, and insightful interviews with industry leaders — including prominent figures like Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI — the film presents a conversational approach to a complex topic. The narrative unfolds as the protagonist’s research into artificial general intelligence (AGI) and artificial superintelligence (ASI) leads him to increasingly troubling conclusions, which amplify the anxiety felt by his wife and themselves about their future. The film sheds light on the theoretical concepts of AGI, the stage at which AI could match human-level intelligence, and ASI, the stage where AI would exceed human intelligence. As the father's journey progresses, so does the tension surrounding the ethical and existential dilemmas posed by AI's evolution. The film effectively captures the emotional weight of these concerns, using personal narratives to humanize the broader implications of technological advancement. In contrast to this personal and emotional exploration, Valerie Veatch's "Ghost in the Machine" takes a historical lens to examine the origins and trajectory of artificial intelligence. Screening in the NEXT category, Veatch's documentary traces AI's roots back to the power dynamics and intellectual developments of the 1930s, offering a critical perspective on how technology has shifted from being a tool for solving human problems to a means of competition for resources. Through interviews with historians, philosophers, sociologists, and journalists, the film presents a comprehensive analysis of AI's evolution, encouraging viewers to consider not just what AI can do, but who it ultimately serves. One of the film's innovative features is its visual distinction between AI-generated and human-created content. On-screen labels clearly mark AI-generated elements with the tag "AI," while human-created footage is identified as "Not AI." This distinction invites viewers to critically engage with the content they consume and reflects a broader conversation about authenticity and originality in a digital age dominated by AI. The post-screening Q&A at the Yarrow Theater was packed, with audience members eager to engage in the discussion. The dialogue continued to flourish until attendees had to be ushered out for the next screening. One poignant comment from the panel encapsulated the stakes of the broader conversation, stating, "Intelligence is knowing how to solve problems. Wisdom is knowing which problems to solve." This statement resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the nuanced relationship between technological capability and ethical responsibility. While both documentaries tackle the trajectory of AI, "Ghost in the Machine" provides a more optimistic view by exploring how emerging technologies could potentially be redirected to address global challenges rather than concentrating power and resources in the hands of a few. This hopeful perspective is refreshing in the context of a pervasive narrative that often paints AI as a looming threat. As the discussions surrounding artificial intelligence continue to evolve, both films serve as vital contributions to the conversation, prompting audiences to reflect on their own relationships with technology. The ongoing dialogue at the Sundance Film Festival emphasizes the importance of understanding AI not just as a technological marvel but as a transformative force that could shape the very fabric of society. As filmmakers and audiences alike engage with these complex themes, the festival stands as a platform for critical reflection on the future we are collectively creating with artificial intelligence. In conclusion, the Sundance Film Festival has once again proven to be a fertile ground for thought-provoking cinema that challenges audiences to confront the pressing issues of our time. With AI increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives, the insights offered by "The AI Doc" and "Ghost in the Machine" are more relevant than ever, encouraging a deeper understanding of the technology that will undoubtedly influence the generations to come.