AI & Humanitarian Storytelling: The Future of Filmmaking for Development
Can't join us in person? We'll be live streaming! Here's the Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AN6mO4drTfSeACWHDINm4Q
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Join us for a powerful conversation and showcase on the future of humanitarian storytelling in the age of AI. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the media and creative landscape, a new generation of filmmakers, artists, and communicators are exploring how AI can be used not just to generate content, but to elevate impact.
This side event, held on the sidelines of the AI for Good Global Summit, brings together humanitarian professionals, AI creatives, UN agencies, and media innovators to examine how AI-powered tools are reshaping the way we tell stories about development, displacement, climate change, health, and global justice.
From AI-generated short films and video poems to tools that amplify underrepresented voices, this session will explore:
The rise of the AI filmmaker in development communications
Opportunities and ethical challenges in using AI for advocacy and storytelling
A showcase of short AI films centered on humanitarian and SDG themes
Why It Matters: In a world where attention is scarce but stories shape action, AI offers new possibilities to accelerate creativity, reduce production costs, and democratize participation. But these opportunities come with questions - about bias, authorship, consent, and dignity. This event is an invitation to imagine a future where technology serves storytelling, not replaces it, and where the voices most affected by global crises can be heard.
Speakers:
Benoit Carpentier leads the IFRC digital communications and content team.With over 30 years of experience in visual storytelling and media across Europe, Asia and Africa, he previously spent 15 years in Paris as a freelance communications advisor and artistic director, working on campaigns for major brands, international film post-production and special effects, and social mobilization strategies for international organizations.
Gilles Reboux has worked as reporter and producer on humanitarian issues since 1986. Among numerous other tasks, he directed filming missions in about 50 developing countries for various international organizations. He designed WHO's film festival (HAFF) in 2019 and led the implementation of five HAFF editions which received an average of 1000 short films on health every year from more than 110 countries.
Lisa Russell is an Emmy-winning filmmaker, AI artist and Founder of ArtsEnvoy.ai with a 20-year career working as a contracted filmmaker and arts curator in the UN/NGO space. Currently based in Mombasa, Kenya, Lisa is a Women in AI Ambassador, Kenya, with a focus on creative AI and AI for Good. She is the Founder and Global Co-Chair of the UN Civil Society ImPACT Coalition on Arts and Culture.
Sidney McGregor is a Geneva-based multimedia producer and communications strategist with extensive experience supporting UN agencies and international NGOs across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. With a background in humanitarian storytelling and digital communication, he has worked with organizations including UNICEF, the United Nations, and private sector clients to develop strategic campaigns and multimedia content that center community voices.