Visualizing Moloch: A Short Film About the AI Race (with Tom Cozens)

Tom Cozens is a filmmaker and writer. He joins the podcast to discuss his short film Moloch and the dynamics of competitive races in artificial intelligence.
Watch the film here. (youtube.com/watch?v=Q4aUidMZxbs)

We explore the philosophical and theological themes behind the film and the challenge of depicting near-future AI agents on screen. Tom also discusses the role of cinema in communicating existential dread, definitions of human flourishing, and the need to coordinate against destructive systemic incentives.
LINKS:
• Moloch Film Official Website (moloch.film)
• Tom Cozens Official Website (tomcozens.com)
CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Episode Preview
(00:59) The concept of Moloch
(03:28) Visualizing Moloch on screen
(15:21) Parable of cosmic horror
(22:37) Theological and philosophical themes
(35:10) Depicting near-future AI agents
(50:15) Inspiration from Metropolis
(01:04:58) Sound design and score
(01:13:16) AI industry incentive structures
(01:18:27) Defining human flourishing
(01:28:59) Embodiment versus digital minds
(01:34:33) Challenging systemic presuppositions
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