Docudrama ‘Dreams of Violets’ Showcased at Tribeca

The docudrama “Dreams of Violets” made its debut at the Tribeca Festival, marking a shift in Hollywood’s view of technology. Every image in the film was crafted by generative artificial intelligence, with its production costing approximately $2,000.

Ash Koosha, originally from Iran, found himself in London when the internet blackout occurred during a government crackdown in Tehran in January. Despite some video clips and photos emerging, Koosha anticipated that the full breadth of the tragedy might remain obscured.

In response, Koosha and his brother, Pooya, began working on “Dreams of Violets.” This 75-minute docudrama creates vivid imagery of officers deploying weapons, fires erupting on streets, and a child observing the turmoil, all from a London apartment setting. The production eliminated the need for actors, sets, or cameras.

Koosha emphasized the urgency, stating, “Speed matters here, right?” as journalists, humanitarian agencies, and artists rush to document the unfolding story. For Koosha, the film serves as a memorial, capturing moments when journalism simply could not.

The script, penned by Koosha, navigates a unique approach to storytelling without traditional filmmaking methods.