NU-Q Hosts Public Symposium on Arabic Storytelling in AI, Film, and Media

The media majlis museum at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), in collaboration with the global media and educational platform afikra, hosted a public symposium on the future of Arabic storytelling through artificial intelligence (AI), film, and media.

Hosted on the sideline of the media majlis museum  ongoing exhibition on Arabic curated by Northwestern Qatar alumna Amal Zeyad Ali, "The limits of my language are the limits of my world," the full-day, multidisciplinary event explored the intersection of technology and storytelling in the Arab world. It included several panel discussions with local and regional voices, each focusing on a unique theme, two performances, and various collateral activities, drawing a diverse, engaged audience who actively participated in discussions with experts and innovators.

Alfredo Cramerotti, director of the media majlis museum, said, "Our aim is to promote and feature conversations, debates, performances, and networking focused on the Arabic language in media, tech, and publishing. With this event, we wanted to speak to a young audience through relevant and interactive content, providing a platform to experiment and question contemporary issues, and inviting young people to explore different perspectives." Rana Kazkaz, award-winning filmmaker and Northwestern Qatar associate professor, said "The use of the Arabic language in media is not just a means of communication; it is a bridge to our cultural heritage and a vessel for knowledge production, innovation, creativity, and intellectual growth. Crucially, it ensures that our narratives have a part in shaping the global story." Lebanese director Amanda Abou Abdallah said, "Its not enough to create media that speaks in Arabic; we must think in Arabic and create from an Arab mindset to truly capture the essence of our culture, articulate our narratives, and preserve authenticity in our stories." The first panel explored how the Arabic language is evolving across different media platforms, from traditional outlets to modern media and social media. The second panel highlighted the intersection of Arabic and AI technologies, discussing the use of AI in the Arabic language. The last panel explored the evolving landscape of Arabic publishing, this session brought together literary and academic experts.

The media majlis museum is the Arab worlds first media museum, dedicated to exploring, innovating, and celebrating media. Going beyond traditional museum roles, it promotes intellectual exploration, open dialogue, and innovation at the intersection of art, communication, and technology. Through a vibrant program of public initiatives, exhibitions, and workshops, mm:museum demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity and global perspectives, actively partnering with international institutions, artists, and technologists. Aimed at engaging young audiences, it provides a platform for experimentation and encourages discussions on contemporary issues from diverse perspectives. 

 

(QNA)