AI can be used to identify and target the right audiences. By analysing data on social media, search trends, and other sources, AI can help filmmakers to identify the people who are most likely to be interested in their films about the SDGs. This allows filmmakers to target their marketing and distribution efforts more effectively, ensuring that their films reach the people who need to see them most.

AI can be used to create personalised experiences for viewers. AI-powered subtitles and closed captions can make films more accessible to viewers with disabilities and to viewers who speak different languages. AI can also be used to create interactive experiences that allow viewers to engage with the film in a more meaningful way.

AI can be used to create more realistic and engaging simulations of complex problems. For example, AI can be used to create simulations of climate change, poverty, and other global challenges. These simulations can help viewers to better understand the complex problems that the SDGs are addressing.

AI can be used to showcase sustainable solutions and best practices. For example, AI can be used to create films that highlight the work of organizations and individuals who are working to achieve the SDGs. These films can inspire viewers to take action to support sustainable development efforts in their own communities.

Reduce the cost of film production. AI can be used to automate tasks such as editing, colour grading, and sound mixing. This can free up filmmakers to focus on the creative aspects of filmmaking and can make it possible to produce films on a tighter budget.

Make filmmaking more accessible to people from all backgrounds. AI can be used to create tools and resources that make it easier for people to learn about filmmaking and to produce their own films. This can help to democratise the filmmaking process and to give people from all backgrounds a voice.

Africa Union’s Charter for African Cultural Renaissance recognises that the youth represent the majority of the African population and that the key resources for contemporary creation reside in the youth. Article 13 of the charter states that African countries should commit themselves to recognising cultural expressions by the youth, accord them their true value and respond to their aspirations, in accordance with African culture and values. The charter encourages intra and inter-African cultural cooperation and the use of new media and technology to promote African culture. The Varsity Film Expo provides a platform to nurture young and emerging filmmakers to find their voice so that they can contribute meaningfully to Africa’s rising creative economy. The Varsity Film Expo contributes to the development and growth of the creative economy through the promotion of cinema culture in African youth.

Guided by African and global strategies for the promotion of local languages, the Varsity Film Expo encourages production of films in local languages accompanied by subtitles. We subscribe to the Africa Union’s position of encouraging cultural co-operation through the use of African languages and the promotion of inter-cultural dialogue as enshrined in the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance.  Article 18 of the charter recognises the need for African countries to promote local languages in order to ensure their cultural advancement, and acceleration of their economic and social development. The SADC Protocol on Culture, Information and Sport inculcates the promotion of the use of indigenous languages for the promotion of the cultural identity of the Region. The Varsity Film Expo supports UNESCO’s call to make 2022-2032 a decade of action for indigenous languages. We believe use of local languages promote cultural diversity, tolerance and builds bridges across the socio-cultural divide.