Finnish ski jumper Janne Ahonen lends his likeness to the country's first AI-generated film, in which he expresses fascination with AI's portrayal of his character.
In Lahti, Finland, the first AI-generated film, "The Mystery of the Golden Key," is in production, featuring a detective named Perry Harris whose likeness is based on the famous ski jumper Janne Ahonen. Ahonen has consented to the use of his face for this character and has remarked on the strangeness of seeing a representation of himself act on screen. He humorously asserts that the AI character performs better than he could.
As the film features a blend of real-life figures and AI-generated characters, it includes appearances by notable individuals such as Pas Nurminen, the owner of the Pelicans, former TV director Jorma Sairanen, and motorcycle museum curator Riku Routo, adding an intriguing twist to its content. An exception to the AI-generated characters is Antero Mertaranta, who appears on camera with his authentic voice captured for the film, showcasing a unique mix of technology and traditional performance.
Janne Nykänen, the film's writer, director, and producer, has crafted the setting of the movie around true-to-life landmarks in Lahti, such as Sibelius Hall, the town hall, and the ice rink, making the film not only a technical innovation but also a celebration of the local culture. This project marks a significant step in Finnish cinema, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technology, and it raises interesting questions about the future of acting and the role of AI in artistic expression.
