[Edaily Reporter YUN GI BACK ] Films created using artificial intelligence (AI) are expanding beyond short films and online content to include feature-length films for theaters. “Rafael,” a science fiction film that uses generative AI technology to bring futuristic cities, war scenes, and even characters to life, is set to premiere on November 25. Attention is focused on whether AI films can move beyond technical experimentation to resonate with theater audiences.

“Raphael” is a dystopian sci-fi film set in the year 2050, when civilization has collapsed due to climate disasters and war. It tells the story of Alexei, an android war machine modeled after a dictator in his youth, who encounters an unregistered child and the last bride of humanity in the controlled zone of Delmor. The central narrative follows Alexei’s journey to seek freedom after discovering his humanity in a society where emotions are suppressed.
A key aspect to note about this film is its production method. According to the production companies, Matteo AI Studio and MBC C&I AI Content Lab, “Raphael” utilized 100% generative AI technology to render characters, backgrounds, and war scenes. They explain that the sci-fi world—which would have required large-scale sets and a substantial production crew if filmed live-action—was created with a relatively small team. Directors Yang Ik-jun, Moon Shin-woo, and Jeong Ju-won co-directed the series.
That said, the production process was by no means simple. Over the course of one year and two months, the production team worked to refine and enhance the images and footage for each scene. In particular, they put significant effort into ensuring that the same characters maintained consistent appearances and movements from scene to scene. While AI is lowering the barriers to entry for video production, this demonstrates that achieving the level of polish required for theatrical release still demands meticulous direction and post-production work.
“Raphael” was selected for the “2025 AI Video Production Support Project,” organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and supported by the Korea Creative Content Agency. It was screened as the opening film at the 2nd Busan International AI Film Festival last year and was invited to the Kling AI Conference at the “Marché du Film,” the film market held during the Cannes International Film Festival, this past May.
The poster released alongside the announcement of the film’s release date also draws attention. Set against the backdrop of a desolate desert, it depicts the protagonist Alexei’s face scattering like sand, revealing the mechanical mechanisms within. The addition of the phrase, “If I die, can I go to heaven too?” succinctly captures the film’s theme of a non-human entity yearning for humanity.