AI vs Authenticity? A Filmmakers’ Debate with Joan Hillery and Marcus Jones

A Filmmakers’ Debate on the Power of Film to Tell Unheard Stories Joan Hillery and Marcus Jones in conversation with Dr Hannah Yelin

At this crucial juncture, with AI filmmaking tools anticipated to transform the creative industries, two acclaimed film makers share their very different approaches.

Combining friendly debate, candid discussion, behind-the-scenes insight, and screenings of selected documentary excerpts, this conversation with acclaimed filmmakers Joan Hillery ('That Great British Documentary') and Marcus Jones (director/producer at Marcus Jones Films), reflects on filmmaking as a medium for rewriting dominant narratives, writing ourselves into the world, and expanding our understanding of ideas like identity, contemporary Britishness and how conventions are there to be challenged.

Joan reflects on how artists can resist the drive towards AI and hold onto the raw, unpolished humanity at the core of storytelling and celebrate the personal, spontaneous and imperfect. Marcus will share how AI tools are already transforming his practice, allowing him to amplify voices that are often unheard by lowering barriers of cost and access, and helping him bring powerful, personal stories to the screen that might otherwise never be told.

Joan and Marcus are in conversation with Dr Hannah Yelin, Associate Professor in Media & Culture at Oxford Brookes University, whose work investigates the politics of visibility and self-representation.

This event is part of the 6th International Creative Industries Festival organised by the Creative Industries Research and Innovation Network at Oxford Brookes University, it is FREE and OPEN TO ALL!