Ghost in the Machine (Film & Discussion)

Film (Valerie Veatch, USA 2026, OV). Discussion with Melina Weissenborn afterwards.
Trailer
Part of the series on left-wing critique of tech fascism. All dates here.

The unknown origins of artificial intelligence lie not in machines, but in power relations. Through a historical approach, the film reveals the historical foundations of artificial intelligence. In this documentary, director Valerie Veatch, with the voices of numerous experts, reveals the philosophical, cultural, and political forces driving the global AI boom. Ghost in the Machine approaches ubiquitous questions such as "What is AI?", "Who is developing it?", and "What will become of humans?" by examining how new technologies have reshaped identity, culture, and global power throughout history. At the same time, it uncovers the current facets of human exploitation and illiberal policies without which AI would not function.

In the subsequent discussion, Melina Weissenborn will provide a feminist perspective on the film and discuss the history of ideas that often implicitly shapes our understanding of artificial intelligence.

Melina Weissenborn is an artist and lives and works in Leipzig. She studied media art at the Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst Leipzig and at the Bezalel Academy of Fine Arts Jerusalem.