AI Film Club - Calgary
Curious about how people are actually using AI in filmmaking?
Join us for the inaugural AI Film Club – Calgary, a relaxed evening of tool sharing, creative showcases, and conversation. Meet local filmmakers, artists, and curious creatives, see what others are experimenting with, and discover tools and workflows you might explore yourself.
The focus is on showing, sharing, and comparing notes. You don’t need any AI experience, a finished project, or a laptop to join. Come to watch, ask questions, and connect.
Opening talk: Beyond “AI Slop”
Where does AI-generated media fit in filmmaking—and when do audiences care?
Eric Gonzalez will open with a short talk exploring practical applications for AI-generated media and what makes it useful, meaningful, or forgettable. He’ll consider how audiences respond to AI-made work, ethical choices around creative references—including public-domain material—and the line between inspiration and imitation.
An invitation to think more deliberately about what we make, how we make it, and who it’s for.
What to expect
Tools in context: Discover which tools people are using and how they fit into a creative workflow.
Short showcases: Watch clips, demos, and works in progress, with a look at the process behind them.
Honest conversation: Hear what worked, what didn’t, and what people are still figuring out.
Community: Connect over food and drinks with others exploring AI and filmmaking.
The evening’s schedule
5:30 PM — Arrive, grab a bite, and meet everyone
Settle in, enjoy some food and drinks, and connect with fellow attendees.
5:45 PM — Welcome and introductions
An introduction to AI Film Club – Calgary and what we hope to build together.
5:55 PM — Talks, tool walkthroughs, and creator showcases
Eric Gonzalez — 15 minutes: Beyond “AI Slop” — practical applications, audience response, ethical references, and inspiration versus imitation.
Nick Rogers — 10 minutes: A showcase from fellow HOUSE 831 member, Calgary organizer, and community builder working with Robin.
Four guest speakers — 5 minutes each: Short presentations featuring projects, useful tools, workflows, or creative experiments.
6:45 PM — Group Q&A and discussion
Ask questions, compare notes, and continue the conversation around the talks and showcases.
7:00 PM — Wrap-up
We’ll close the scheduled program here.
7:00–8:00 PM — Optional networking and experimentation
Stay to chat, connect with other creators, or try out something that caught your interest. There’s no expectation to make anything, but there’s room to explore if you feel inspired.
Timing may shift slightly as the showcase lineup comes together.
Want to share something?
We have four guest showcase spots available, with five minutes per speaker.
Share a project, demonstrate a useful tool, walk through your process, or tell us about an experiment and what you learned. Works in progress are welcome—you don’t need a polished film or all the answers.
To submit your interest, reach out to Eric Gonzalez with a short description of what you’d like to share and a link, if available. We’ll save questions for the group Q&A afterward.
What to bring
Your curiosity and questions about AI and filmmaking.
The names of any tools or projects you’d like to discuss.
Something to take notes with, if you’d like.
An optional laptop if you want to experiment during the final hour.
No preparation required to attend. Coming along to watch and listen is equally welcome.
About your host
Eric Gonzalez is a documentary filmmaker exploring AI in his creative practice. His background includes a documentary screened at the Calgary International Film Festival and six years of filmmaking for CBC, including work on the Olympics. He is consulting with the NFB’s innovation lab and on campaigns that integrate AI.
Come discover a few tools, meet some new collaborators, and help shape what AI Film Club – Calgary becomes.