"And If the Body" by Toby Lee

(before and after) AI for Documentary Storytelling

Director Toby Lee's new documentary explores how VR and imaging technologies create therapeutic spaces for patients with spinal and neuromuscular conditions. The film examines the fascinating intersection of physical and digital bodies, showing how virtual environments are transforming medical treatment.

During production, Lee faced a familiar documentary dilemma: crucial 16mm footage of researcher Sara Goering was shot with poor focus and couldn't be reshot. Rather than lose this important interview, Lee turned to AI-assisted enhancement to salvage the material.

Using face enhancement (not replacement) technology, the out-of-focus footage was carefully restored by blending AI-generated detail with the original material. The process involved training on a reference photo, then compositing the enhanced footage with the original using luminosity blending at 80% opacity—a technique that preserves the organic texture while adding clarity.

The result demonstrates how AI tools can serve documentary truth rather than obscure it. In a film about technology's role in healing, this behind-the-scenes application of AI reflects the broader theme: technology as a tool for restoration and enhancement of human experience.

The enhanced footage allows Goering's important research insights to reach audiences clearly, serving the documentary's mission while maintaining ethical transparency about the AI assistance used in post-production.

Toby's film will premiere at the NYFF October 4th!

63RD NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 13

This shorts program includes Sara Magenheimer and Michael Bell-Smith’s Acetone Reality, Nicolas Gourault’s Their Eyes, Toby Lee’s And If the Body, and Carolyn Lazard’s Fiction Contract.