Feature

World’s first human-AI animated feature film released

IMAGENai, a GenAI creative studio, has launched an animated feature that combines generative AI with “human-directed” storytelling.

09/07/2025 14:57:25

Font size:

Lavender & The Butterfly Nation follows Lavender, a “curious yet painfully shy” girl who struggles to make friends after her family’s sudden evacuation. She discovers a magical realm of butterfly people, where she learns courage, friendship, and kindness while helping unite the realm against a jealous wasp bent on destruction.

IMAGENai Inc. states that the film
aims to convey themes of inclusion and transformation for families and young adults, blending science fiction, fantasy, and what the studio describes as “heartfelt” moral storytelling.

Its teaser, a finalist at AIMF (Artificial Intelligence Media Festival) – an international platform celebrating innovation in AI-powered storytelling – highlights creators who integrate generative tools.

Lavender & The Butterfly Nation
is produced by Anoush Sadegh (PGA) and written by Mandy Fason (SAG-AFTRA). The production utilises GenAI tools enhanced by human-directed ballet motion capture.

“This is more than animation, it’s the beginning of a new filmmaking paradigm,” says Producer Anoush Sadegh.

GenAI has received significant backlash in the last few years, not only for its detrimental impact on
the environment and vast energy consumption, but also for its plagiarism and threat to human creatives, especially in the arts, film and literature sectors.

In response to such criticism, Sadegh claims that the aim is to “amplify” human artistry, rather than replace it. “This film,” Sadegh alleges, “proves that independent creators, and even young artists, can now
bring cinematic-scale stories to life using AI”.

While the teaser showcases AI-driven visuals and motion-captured ballet, the feature-length film is set to introduce original music and youth voice talent, as part of IMAGENai’s attempt to “empower” emerging artists.

The teaser is under consideration at Rencontres Internationales Paris/Berlin, WSXA Barcelona, and Norwich Film Festival.

IMAGENai Inc. is currently exploring festival and distribution opportunities in the UK and Ireland.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.