Indian indie film “The Zebras: Dark Start” has successfully secured U.S. distribution through Double Exposure. Directed by Aneek Chaudhuri, known for his work on “White,” the film delves into the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the fashion industry. Chaudhuri drew inspiration from real-life events in India’s fashion industry, where models who were replaced by AI tragically took their own lives.
“The Zebras” weaves together the stories of a veteran photographer portrayed by Sharib Hashmi, a documentarian played by Usha Banerjee, and a supermodel portrayed by Priyanka Sarkar. Set in a near-future world where AI has become ubiquitous, the film aims to address the dire consequences that have begun to govern human existence.
Producers Akhil Murali and Ashik Murali of Yulin Productions intend for the film to spark conversations about the role of technology in our lives and how we can utilize it for the greater good while preserving our humanity. They hope to create a movement that encourages critical thinking and collaboration with educational institutions, tech companies, and policymakers.
“The Zebras: Dark Start” is scheduled to have its world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) later this month. Following its premiere, the film will have a limited U.S. theatrical release starting on September 13 in Laemmle theatres, serving as its Oscar-qualifying run. Gregory Gardner, CEO of Double Exposure, expressed his enthusiasm for working with independent international films like “The Zebras” to secure eligibility for the annual Academy Awards. He believes theatrical distribution is the most effective way to promote quality films in a crowded streaming market, emphasizing the unique experience of watching a movie in a theater.
After its U.S. debut, the producers plan to release the film in India, aiming to engage audiences in discussions about the ethical implications of AI. They hope to foster collaboration with educational institutions, tech companies, and policymakers to further explore this topic.