SUBTERRA

Inspiration

SUBTERRA is inspired by the idea behind The Butterfly Effect — how small actions or hidden choices can grow into catastrophic consequences that eventually return to us in the worst possible way. I wanted to explore this theme through a dark, claustrophobic sci-fi lens: “What if something buried deep beneath us is not only alive, but reacting to what we’ve done?”

What it does

SUBTERRA is a 4 minute and 58 second AI-driven sci-fi/horror short film about a colossal subterranean centipede-like creature awakening as a consequence of human actions. The film focuses on: -Cause & effect (consequences returning to us) -Sci-fi horror atmosphere -A single continuous visual world (tunnels, shadows, creature behavior) -Cinematic flow rather than random AI clips

How we built it

The project was built using a combination of AI visual platforms for scene generation, sound design tools for immersive audio, and editing software to refine the final cut. I carefully designed prompts specifying mood, atmosphere, and dramatic tension, then layered environmental effects and soundscapes to enhance immersion. The workflow involved benchmarking different AI platforms, selecting the strongest outputs, and stitching them together into a cohesive narrative.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges was balancing technical limitations with creative ambition. AI platforms often struggled with consistency in faces, motion, or fine details, requiring extensive troubleshooting and re-rendering. Another challenge was ensuring that the emotional tone remained authentic rather than artificial. Finally, navigating festival categories and submission strategies added a layer of complexity—requiring careful planning to maximize visibility and impact.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Finalist at Dutch AI Week Festival – Breda, Netherlands SUBTERRA was selected as a finalist among more than 1,100 entries. This achievement highlights the project’s ability to stand out in a highly competitive international environment and demonstrates the impact of AI‑driven cinematic storytelling on global audiences.

What we learned

Throughout the process, I learned how powerful AI can be when guided with precise cinematic prompts. I discovered that blending traditional filmmaking techniques—such as camera angles, lighting, and sound design—with AI-driven tools creates a unique hybrid workflow. I also learned the importance of iteration: refining prompts, adjusting tone, and experimenting with multiple platforms to achieve the desired realism and emotional impact.

What's next for SUBTERRA

-Expanding festival submissions across Europe, Asia, and North America -Creating a behind-the-scenes breakdown of the AI filmmaking workflow -Building a reusable AI-cinema prompt framework -Exploring interactive or branching versions of the story

Built With

• chatgpt
• filmora
• luma