AI-Animated Short ‘Pexote Jack: Ohio!’ to Compete at Inaugural Japanese Film Fest

TOKYO, JAPAN – October 29, 2025 – A short film crafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence is set to make waves at the inaugural AI FilmFest Japan 2025 in Tokyo. ‘Pexote Jack: Ohio!’ created by Atlanta-based studio ANoNMI, has been selected as the sole U.S. entry in the animation category, highlighting the growing intersection of AI and artistic expression.

Blending Retro Charm with Cutting-Edge Tech

‘Pexote Jack: Ohio!’ isn’t simply a film made with AI, it’s a film that celebrates a specific aesthetic through AI. Filmmaker Hoyt Dwyer deliberately sought to evoke the spirit of 1930s cartoons – think rubber hose animation, exaggerated expressions, and a whimsical energy – but achieved using modern tools like ComfyUI, Google Veo, and Eleven Labs. The result is a unique visual experience that feels both nostalgic and utterly new.

“The goal wasn’t just to showcase what AI can do, but to use it as a medium to tell a specific kind of story with a distinct visual style,” says an anonymous source close to the production. “Dwyer was very intentional about preserving the feeling of those classic cartoons while leveraging the capabilities of AI to achieve a level of detail and fluidity that would have been incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to achieve through traditional means.”

The film's creation involved a complex workflow. ComfyUI, a node-based interface for Stable Diffusion, allowed the team to fine-tune the image generation process, creating custom textures and effects. Google Veo, a generative AI model, was used to produce high-quality video footage, while Eleven Labs provided realistic voiceovers. Post-production was refined using Topaz Labs' AI-powered enhancement tools. This combination allowed the small team to deliver a polished, visually stunning film despite limited resources.

A New Platform for AI Storytellers

The selection of ‘Pexote Jack: Ohio!’ for the AI FilmFest Japan is significant, not just for the filmmakers but for the broader AI filmmaking community. The festival itself is a testament to the growing recognition of AI as a legitimate creative tool. While still in its infancy, the festival aims to provide a platform for AI storytellers to showcase their work and connect with audiences.

“The festival is really about fostering innovation and exploring the potential of AI in filmmaking,” an anonymous insider at the festival stated. “We’re seeing a lot of experimentation, and ‘Pexote Jack: Ohio!’ stood out because of its unique aesthetic and the filmmaker’s clear vision.”

However, some industry observers caution against viewing AI as a replacement for human creativity. “AI is a powerful tool, but it’s just that – a tool,” says an anonymous VFX artist. “It requires a skilled artist to guide it, to make creative decisions, and to ensure that the final product is cohesive and meaningful.”

The rise of AI filmmaking also raises questions about copyright and ownership. Who owns the rights to a film created with AI? Is it the filmmaker, the AI developer, or the data used to train the AI model? These are complex legal questions that are still being debated.

From Advertising to AI-Driven Narratives

Dwyer’s transition from advertising to AI filmmaking is a compelling story in itself. Having spent years creating campaigns for major brands, including Apple TV, he brings a unique perspective to the world of AI storytelling. His background in visual communication and brand strategy informs his approach to filmmaking.

“Dwyer’s experience in advertising taught him the importance of storytelling and visual impact,” an anonymous colleague explains. “He understands how to capture an audience’s attention and create a memorable experience. He's brought that skillset to AI filmmaking, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

The motivation behind the shift stems from a desire to explore new creative avenues and embrace the potential of AI as a storytelling medium. “He was fascinated by the possibilities of AI and saw it as a way to create films that would otherwise be impossible to make,” says an anonymous source close to the filmmaker. “He wanted to challenge himself creatively and explore a new frontier in filmmaking.”

The move into AI filmmaking also reflects a growing trend of artists and creatives embracing new technologies to expand their creative toolkit. While concerns about AI replacing human artists remain, many see it as a collaborative tool that can enhance creativity and unlock new possibilities. “AI is not a threat, it’s an opportunity,” states an anonymous digital artist. “It allows us to automate tedious tasks and focus on the creative aspects of filmmaking.”

Dwyer’s work on ‘Pexote Jack: Ohio!’ is a testament to the power of combining artistic vision with technological innovation. The film’s selection for the AI FilmFest Japan is a significant milestone, not just for the filmmaker, but for the growing community of AI storytellers.