Film Screenings: Human Touch in a Digital World

Join us for this free public event featuring a series of short documentary films each followed by a Q&A with the creators.

Superbots (8 min): This upbeat and inspiring short film, observes and engages with students from Brentwood Secondary College during their two-day interactive industry immersion program ‘Superbots’, where girls ideate, test and construct their own voicebot personality.

The program, co-designed by Monash Tech School and Monash University’s Faculty of IT, was inspired by Jenny Kennedy and Yolande Strengers research for their book #thesmartwife and delivered in collaboration with Women in Voice Australia & New Zealand (WiV ANZ). Students engage with questions of ethics and gender stereotypes as they develop and test their own inclusive voicebots and consider creative career pathways into information technology.

Film by ADM+S filmmaker Jeni Lee. This film is part of the ADM+S AI Rewired project, shining a light on how communities use AI systems to support social justice.

Signal (8 min): Highlights how unreliable mobile and internet connectivity impacts First Nations people in remote Australia, focusing on Lala Gutchen’s cultural practices on Erub Island. Produced by the ADM+S/Telstra Mapping the Digital Gap project in partnership with Torres Strait Islander Media Association (TSIMA).

Non-Human Supports Used by Autistic People for Connection, Health, and Wellbeing (10 min): Features three autistic individuals discussing how they use both digital tools and non-digital items, such as robot dogs and pets, to support their well-being. Created by Megan Rose and Deborah Lupton with Jotz film production.

I am not a number (20 min): What is it like for people interacting with digital government systems? The Australian Government aspires to lead the world in digital innovation. Initiatives in digital governance have seen the introduction of algorithms for NDIS support planning. While the government’s vision promises efficiency and modernisation, the reality is far more complex. Meet Mark, Marie, Erin, Paris, Olisama, Paul, and Kaili – seven people whose lives have been profoundly affected by these technological changes. Through their poignant and personal stories, discover how the inflexible nature of these algorithms has not only failed to meet their needs but has also caused significant harm to the very people it aimed to support.

Film by ADM+S filmmaker Jeni Lee in collaboration with Georgia van Toorn. Created in consultation with ROBONDIS activists. Research consultants: Sarah Pink and Thao Phan. Consultant producer: Anna Grieve.

This is event is hosted by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S).