EXCLUSIVE: Two of documentary’s biggest talents are joining forces on a CNN Originals series exploring AI, the technology that is rapidly transforming our world.

Oscar nominee Steve James is on board to direct Mind vs/+ Machine: The Human Story of A.I., with Oscar winner Alex Gibney executive producing. The project, set for CNN Originals’ 2027 slate, will be announced today as part of CNN’s upfront presentation in New York.

The multi-part documentary series “will explore the dramatic rise of artificial intelligence through the perspectives of the pioneering scientists, thinkers and activists shaping its future,” according to a release. “Mind vs/+ Machine is the definitive series on artificial intelligence, revealing what is at stake at a critical inflection point in determining who controls this technology and what kind of future it will create.”

In a statement, James said, “I can’t think of a more important issue to address in society today than AI. I’m truly thankful to CNN for their commitment to the deep and nuanced exploration we are taking in this series.” 

The series has been in the works for some time (Deadline originally reported on it in February 2024). It’s now a “go” in a partnership of CNN Originals and Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this essential film which will take a critical look at where we’re going with AI – and what it means for all of us – by examining how we got here,” Gibney commented. “It’s a delight to be working again with my pal, the great Steve James, and with CNN Films, my partner on Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine.”

The series “traces the untold origin story of artificial intelligence, from its earliest breakthroughs to the present-day race to control one of the most powerful technologies in human history,” notes the release. “With unprecedented access to key innovators and institutions, the series weaves together the hidden history of A.I. with the global competition among tech companies, governments and activists now shaping its future.”

The release continues, “At the heart of the series is a defining tension among the very people who helped create this technology. With wide-ranging access to pioneering figures including Geoffrey Hinton, often called the ‘godfather of A.I.,’ alongside other iconic scientists such as Yann LeCun, Yoshua Bengio and Fei-Fei Li, the series captures a moment of profound divide between those warning of existential risk and those who see the dawn of a transformative new era. By bringing these competing perspectives into focus, Mind vs/+ Machine offers a rare window into how the architects of A.I. are grappling with the consequences of their own inventions.”

Mind vs/+ Machine is directed by Steve James (Hoop Dreams, Abacus: Small Enough to Jail) and produced by Alyssa Fedele and Zachary Fink. Executive Producers include Cade Metz, Alex Gibney, Courtney Sexton, Richard Perello for Jigsaw Productions; Jessica Grimshaw, Nick Shumaker, and David Levine for Anonymous Content; Joey Mara, Zhang Xin, and Jonathan King for Closer Media; Malinda Wink for Minderoo Pictures; Jennifer Pelling for Bluebird Trust; and Amy Entelis, Lyle Gamm and Katie Hinman for CNN Original Series.

“At a moment when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming every aspect of our lives, there are few storytellers better equipped to take it on than Steve James and Alex Gibney,” observed Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals and creative development. “At CNN Originals, this is exactly the kind of storytelling we strive to champion, and together they bring a rare combination of emotional depth, journalistic rigor and cinematic storytelling that will help audiences understand not just the technology, but the people and choices behind it.”