Polish director to release AI-generated Putin biopic

Described as a “psychological thriller,” the film promises a “detailed analysis” of the Russian leader’s life and mind

The “world premiere” of a new biopic of Russian President Vladimir Putin featuring an AI-rendered central character has been announced by the Polish studio AIO.

According to a statement issued via PR Leap, the film, which was first announced in May 2022 and is titled ‘Putin’, will be released in 35 countries on September 26. 

The English-language debut of Polish director Patryk Vega, also known as Besaleel, is reportedly the result of three years of filming and “pioneering AI technology.” The film claims to capture the “motives and actions of one of the most controversial figures in contemporary politics,” Vega said.

A recently released 2.5-minute trailer, which includes AI-generated shots of an adult Putin wearing a diaper and taking part in martial arts, promises detailed analysis of the Russian leader’s life and psyche over 60 years, according to the PR Leap statement.

Viewers will be able to “get up close and personal” with the Russian leader’s story, touching on some of the “most intimate moments” of his life, it claims.

“Inviting Putin to the studio for 20,000 shots wasn’t an option,” Vega said, adding that the archival materials available online didn’t allow for training a high-resolution deepfake model suitable for cinematic use. “As a result, after nearly two years of development, we’ve created our pioneering AI-driven technology, enabling us to craft the cinematic character without relying on a real human model.”

The Polish director further claimed that his “production’s mission is to provide viewers with a ‘user manual’ for Putin, aiming to alleviate the fear and uncertainty that dominate today’s world.”

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According to PR Leap, the movie was filmed in locations such as Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Syria, Jordan, and Poland. 

Vega is responsible for a string of homegrown box-office hits “characterized by grisly violence and glossy production values” including Pitbull, Mafia Women and Botoks, according to The Guardian.