AI’s Hidden Footprint, From Quartz Mines to Kenyan Click-Workers, Bared in Taiwan Creative Content Fest Doc ‘The Technological Sublime’

Jannes Callens’ documentary “The Technological Sublime” traces the physical infrastructure behind artificial intelligence, challenging the idea that it is an invisible or inherently “green” technology. By showing the people, resources and environmental impacts involved, the film aims to add nuance to public debate about AI.

The project follows the supply chain from quartz mines in Appalachia to chip plants in Taiwan, lithium fields in Chile, undersea cables and Kenyan click-workers. Initial scenes have been filmed, but the team is still securing financing and partners; Belgian broadcaster VRT has joined, with talks under way with other European broadcasters. The four-country co-production is being presented at Taiwan’s Creative Content Fest, running 6–9 November in Taipei.