Before We Disappear: The New Faces of Interactive Media

Interactive films offer a novel viewing experience that diverges from traditional linear cinema. This paper presents an ethical approach to creating an adaptive interactive film using facial recognition software for emotion detection without personal data collection. We propose a new algorithm that dynamically determines scene order based on viewers' emotional responses, ensuring varied experiences across multiple screenings while maintaining narrative coherence. Our method addresses ethical concerns surrounding data protection and AI use in media. Quantitative analysis shows 91.5% facial recognition accuracy in cinematic environments and 87.6% viewer engagement rates. Initial testing demonstrates significant improvements in scene order generation and viewer satisfaction compared to traditional interactive films. This research contributes to the growing field of affective computing in interactive media, exploring the balance between personalisation and privacy.