For many creatives, the rise of artificial intelligence in filmmaking sounds like a warning bell, a technology poised to replace artists, writers and filmmakers. But Ugandan videographer Sasha Vybz believes the conversation should be less about fear and more about opportunity.
Speaking during a masterclass at the Guinness Smooth Creators Lab at Nomad Bar and Grill, Vybz, whose real name is Ian Akankwansa, encouraged filmmakers, photographers and digital storytellers to view AI as a tool that can enhance creativity rather than replace it.
The Creators Lab is part of the “Make It Yours” initiative, a series of creative activities that bring together young Ugandan talents in fields such as fashion, music, art and content creation to share knowledge and explore new creative frontiers.
“The Guinness Smooth Creators Lab is designed to give young Ugandan creators a platform to explore new ideas, learn from industry leaders like Sasha Vybz, and experiment with emerging tools such as AI while staying true to authentic storytelling. Through the ‘Make It Yours’ initiative, we want to inspire the next generation of creatives to push boundaries and shape the future of Uganda’s creative industry,” said Denise Paula Nazzinda, Guinness Smooth brand manager.
During his session, Vybz addressed one of the biggest concerns among creatives, the fear that artificial intelligence could make human creativity irrelevant.
“Most creatives are afraid of AI and what it could mean for creativity,” he said. “But this shouldn’t scare us.”
To explain his point, he compared the current debate around AI to the disruption that came when photography first emerged.
“Photographers disrupted artists who were drawing portraits,” he said. “Cameras came with something more exciting and almost more accurate.”
However, he noted that hand-drawn works and paintings have actually become more valuable over time.
At one point during the session, the filmmaker played a dramatic fight scene featuring Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise locked in a carefully choreographed battle sequence. He then asked the audience a question.
“What if I told you this entire scene is AI?”
The clip, he explained, had been generated using Seedance 2.0, an advanced video generation model developed by ByteDance. With only a short two-line prompt, the system produced a cinematic fight scene convincing enough to pass for a real film.
The example sparked debate online, with many arguing that such technology could threaten the future of cinema. If a simple prompt can generate a high-energy action scene in seconds, some questioned whether producers would still need actors, choreographers, stylists or large film crews.
Vybz acknowledged the concern but said the technology also creates opportunities.
“Many people will go the AI way because it is easier and affordable,” he said. “But it also gives people a chance to start.”
He explained that creatives no longer need expensive equipment to bring their ideas to life. In cities like Kampala, where permits to shoot sometimes exceed production budgets, AI can help creators bypass such challenges and begin producing content more easily.
“Imagine recreating Kampala’s aerial view with a click,” he says.
Vybz compared the possibilities created by AI today to the impact smartphones once had on filmmaking, noting that creators do not always need expensive cameras to produce quality work.
He recalled how he shot the music video for Sheebah Karungi’s song Nakyuka during the COVID-19 lockdown using only an iPhone.
“When movement was restricted and production was difficult, we still made it happen,” he said. “You don’t need big cameras to start.”
Beyond production, he said AI is also transforming the way filmmakers write and pitch their ideas. According to him, the technology can help creators develop convincing visual pitches when approaching global streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+, something that previously required costly equipment and large teams.
Despite the rapid evolution of AI, Vybz insisted that some elements of storytelling cannot be replicated by machines. Authenticity, he said, remains the most valuable currency in filmmaking.
“I have been to Karamoja and seen aerial shots that AI cannot replicate,” he noted.
Even though AI can generate scripts and visual sequences within minutes, he added that it still struggles to match the emotional depth of a truly original story.
“AI can replicate things quickly, but it cannot beat a unique storyline,” he said.
The filmmaker also warned about the risks of misuse of AI in the creative industry.
Several Ugandan songs, including Azawi’s Masavu, AaronX’s Njalwala, and Uga Boys’ Namulabako, have already been replicated using AI tools. However, Vybz explained that many of these unauthorised versions fail to generate income because streaming platforms such as YouTube and Spotify have systems that detect AI-generated content and block monetisation.
In the end, his message to creatives was simple, AI is not the enemy.
“AI is here to stay,” he said. “But it is not going to take away jobs, it will change how we work.”
Outside Sasha Vybz’s masterclass, the night also featured energetic music performances by DJs including City Gal, Melvin DJ and Adele Kiele.
