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.
This two-day symposium brings together leading artists, technologists, and thinkers to explore the cultural, philosophical, and creative potentials of this rapidly evolving field.
World-famous philosopher David Chalmers of NYU will give a talk based on his influential book Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy. Among other questions, Chalmers will ponder what the acclaimed Apple TV show "Severance" teaches us about large language models like ChatGPT.
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.
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.
Friday, Oct 24 — Open to Public
1:00–5:00 PM
Machine Cinema GenJam
TechFlex
5:30–8:30 PM
Art Exhibition Opening
UCC Gallery
6:30–8:30 PM
AI Short Film Screening
TechFlex
Machine Cinema GenJam
TechFlex
5:30–8:30 PM
Art Exhibition Opening
UCC Gallery
6:30–8:30 PM
AI Short Film Screening
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 lunches 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
Tiffani Joseph, Jonah King, Christopher Manzione, Justin Suarez, Julio Soler, Metapuppet, Allan Title
Call for Conference Presentations, Immersive Artworks are now closed. AI Film Submissions open until September 25
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.
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.