What Do We Mean By AIRL?

At Machine Cinema, AIRL is more than just a clever acronym for blending AI and IRL (In Real Life)—it’s a concept we’ve coined to capture our unique approach to the future of creativity. While the world is trending towards an increasingly disconnected, isolated world online, for us, AIRL is about taking the powerful tools of AI and grounding them in something real, human, and collaborative. It’s where cutting-edge technology meets personal connection, and where creators come together to do more than imagine the future—they build it.

Over the last 12 months, we’ve brought AIRL to life through more than a dozen events in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seoul, and Toronto. Each gathering has been an opportunity not just to discuss AI, but to create with it—together. From filmmakers to artists, technologists to storytellers, AIRL is where we meet, learn, and make.

From Backyard Meetups to Global Connections

The idea behind AIRL didn’t come from a formal strategy session. It started in backyards and living rooms, where we’d gather with friends, laptops open. We wanted to learn how our friends were discovering these new tools, what prompts they used, how were they wrangling this wild AI stallion. The energy of those early meetups, that DIY spirit, is something we’ve carried forward into every AIRL event since.

Even as our events have scaled, that handmade, personal touch remains. Whether we’re forming teams with playing cards or hosting potluck-style gatherings, we’re always looking for ways to keep things authentic. It’s about creating a space where people feel like they belong—not just in a technical sense, but as part of a creative community.

Real Projects, Real Collaboration

AIRL is about more than just talking—it’s about doing. Our events are designed for hands-on collaboration, where creators can leave with something tangible. Whether it’s our Gen Battles, where teams race to create AI-driven projects, or Work in Progress sessions where creators collaborate on ongoing ideas, the focus is always on turning concepts into reality.

We’ve seen this spirit in action across all our hubs, from Los Angeles to Seoul. One of our standout moments was at the Toronto International Film Festival, where we participated in the AI in the Lot event through our partnership with AILA. Creators from around the globe came together, not just to discuss the future of AI in storytelling, but to actively shape it.

Handmade, Human, and AI-Driven

One of the key principles that guides us is making sure every event feels grounded and human. It’s easy to get lost in the technical side of AI, but we always ask ourselves: how can we make this feel real? Whether it’s through the potlucks, the playing cards, or simply the way we organize the space, we want every AIRL event to reflect the personal, handmade touch that makes these gatherings unique.

After all, AIRL is about more than just technology—it’s about people. It’s where we come together, break bread (or even cake), and build something meaningful with the tools we have. The high-tech and the hands-on, the digital and the deeply personal—that’s the balance we strive for.

The Future of AIRL

As we look ahead, AIRL is only going to grow. We’re expanding our community in San Francisco and building deeper connections in places like Toronto and Seoul. But no matter where we go, one thing will stay the same: AIRL will always be about real people, creating together, in real life.