Arundhati Roy Reflects on Unlicensed Music, AI, and Independent Cinema at London Festival

Author and activist Arundhati Roy recently engaged in a wide-ranging discussion at the London Indian Film Festival, touching on diverse subjects from classic rock to cutting-edge technology. The Booker Prize-winning writer offered insights into the unauthorized use of Beatles music in her 1989 film, "In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones," as well as the expanding influence of artificial intelligence within the film industry, and the distinct qualities of independent cinema. The conversation took place at BFI Southbank on July 15, following a special screening. This event marked the UK premiere of a newly restored 4K version of "In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones," a telefilm that Roy co-wrote and acted in, which has since gained cult status. According to Variety, Roy recounted that the film initially incorporated several Beatles songs without obtaining the necessary permissions, a common practice in independent productions at the time due to budgetary constraints and the perceived impossibility of securing rights. During her appearance, Roy delved into the creative freedom and innovative spirit often found in independent filmmaking. She contrasted this with the more structured and often commercially driven mainstream industry. She highlighted how smaller productions frequently rely on a "handmade aesthetic," which can lead to unique storytelling and visual styles not always present in larger studio projects. A significant portion of her dialogue focused on artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the cinematic landscape. Roy explored how AI tools are beginning to reshape various stages of film production, from scriptwriting and visual effects to distribution and audience engagement. She pondered the implications of these technological advancements for artistic expression and the future of human creativity in the arts. The discussion also circled back to her earlier work. "In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones" tells the story of a young architecture student navigating life and rebellion in 1970s Delhi. The film was directed by Pradip Krishen, whom Roy later married. Its restoration and subsequent screening provided a fresh opportunity to revisit a pivotal moment in Indian independent filmmaking and to reflect on the evolving challenges and opportunities facing creators today, particularly concerning intellectual property and emerging technologies.