The Role of Technology in Modern Storytelling

Based in New York and Dubai, Siraj Jhaveri is an award-winning director whose three-decade journey spans commercials, music videos, documentaries, digital content and VR. A Fine Art graduate from Rhode Island School of Design, he evolved from creating MTV's pioneering campaigns to directing global brand stories. As a Virtual Production innovator, he harnesses cutting-edge tools like Unreal Engine and AI to push creative boundaries. His work, recognized at Cannes and AFI, reflects his passion for blending technological innovation with compelling narratives, working with international celebrities and brands worldwide.

Santiago Lyon is Head of Advocacy and Education for the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative, working to combat misinformation through digital content provenance. He has 40 years of experience in photography as an award-winning photographer, photo editor, media executive and educator. As a photojournalist for 20 years, he won multiple awards for his work on conflict. In 2004 he was a Nieman Fellow in journalism at Harvard before being named VP/Director of Photography at the Associated Press. He was Chair of the Jury of the 2013 World Press Photo contest.

I'm a Creative Director and a Gen AI Consultant, Innovator, and Educator, passionate about merging AI, creativity, and storytelling. Over eight years at GroupM, I led award-winning campaigns, including a Cannes-shortlisted AI activation, integrating AI into brand storytelling. I also conduct workshops, mentorships, and strategic consultancy, helping brands harness AI’s creative power to craft tech-infused narratives that captivate and inspire.

Arthur Baum, born in Saratov, Russia, in 1989 is a Director of Photography and self taught Unreal Engine Artist bridging his experience in cinematography and photography with virtual environments to create immersive stories.

Born in 1980 in Germany, Bjoern Lauen has woven creativity and imagery into the fabric of his life for over three decades. His journey began when he first picked up a camera, igniting a passion that has since defined his career. Blending his corporate experience with his creative passion, Bjoern embarked on a new chapter. As Managing Director and Executive Producer of a boutique creative agency and publishing and production house, he conceptualized, created and produced various formats with and for regional and international brands as well as non-government and government organizations. Since 2021 he is the founder and executive producer of Glaswerk, a UAE-based Production House and Media Lab. Bjoern produces TVCs, series, documentaries, digital content, media installations and brand films across the Middle East and abroad. Fascinated by innovation, he advocates the use of cutting-edge technologies like XR and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in projects, pushing the boundaries of traditional media. Bjoern's passion for photography and visual storytelling remains unchanged. His photographs have been published in national and international media outlets including National Geographic Kids, The Guardian, Time Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. His insightful exploration of the tribes of the Omo Valley in Ethiopia has been showcased at Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles.