SYNTHETIC NARRATIVES

AI / XR + THE FUTURE OF STORYTELLING

October 24-25 2025

Stevens Institute of Technology

Generative AI and immersive technologies are transforming the way we create, experience, and understand stories.

This two-day symposium brings together leading artists, technologists, and thinkers to explore the cultural, philosophical, and creative potentials of this rapidly evolving field.

TICKETS

Call for Conference Presentations, Immersive Artworks are now closed. AI Film Submissions open until September 25

SUBMIT AI FILMS

Panelists

Keynote Speaker

David Chalmers

David Chalmers is a philosopher and cognitive scientist specialising in the philosophy of mind and language. He is Professor of Philosophy and Neural Science at New York University, where he also co-directs the Center for Mind, Brain and Consciousness.

Chalmers is best known for formulating the “hard problem of consciousness” and for popularising the philosophical zombie thought experiment.

He is a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of the Humanities and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is co-founder of PhilPapers, an online database for academic philosophy.

Artwork Showcase

Schedule

Friday, Oct 24 — Open to Public

1:00–5:00 PM

5:30–8:30 PM

6:30–8:30 PM

Machine Cinema GenJam

Artwork Showcase Opening

AI Short Film Screening

TechFlex

UCC Gallery

TechFlex

Saturday, Oct 25 — Ticketed

9:00–9:45 AM

Coffee & Conversation

TechFlex

10:00–11:00 AM

AI Filmmaking Panel

This panel will explore how AI tools are reshaping screenwriting, editing, directing, and audience engagement in contemporary cinematic storytelling

TechFlex

11:30 AM–12:30 PM

AI & Immersive Media Panel
_{This panel will explore how generative AI is changing the landscape of spatial computing, VR/AR, and experiential design}

TechFlex

12:30–1:30 PM

Lunch Break

Box luches will be provided

TechFlex

2:00–3:00 PM

Post-Photography Panel

This panel will explore how AI-generated imagery is changing our understanding of authenticity, aesthetics, and the evolving visual language of the image

TechFlex

3:30–4:30 PM

Truth & Trust Panel

This panel will explore how synthetic media: deepfakes, misinformation, and algorithmic authority are changing ethical standards, epistemological frameworks, and societal trust

TechFlex

5:00–6:00 PM

Keynote Presentation by David Chalmers

TechFlex

6:00–7:00 PM

Reception

Refreshments and light fare

TechFlex

Open all day

Artwork Showcase

UCC Gallery

Location

1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, NJ

Stevens School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences is dedicated to tech-powered teaching, research and creativity. Through inquiry and practice, our students and faculty bring critical, ethical, and historically informed perspectives to bear on questions of knowledge, society and technology.

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