AI PANEL

Topic: When the Machine Mishears and Mis Sees Us: An inquiry into Data  Exclusion, Cultural Erasure and Africa's Place in the AI Revolution

AI Panel Summary

This panel examines the growing influence of artificial intelligence on how Africa and the African diaspora are represented in the digital age. As AI systems increasingly shape global narratives, the absence or underrepresentation of African voices, cultures, and data in training datasets raises critical concerns about cultural and economic exclusion. Panelists will explore how biased or incomplete data can lead to misrepresented identities, misunderstood accents, and distorted depictions of African landscapes and communities. Framed as a continuation of historical patterns of extraction, the conversation highlights the urgent need for inclusive data practices that ensure African perspectives help shape the technologies and the future they influence.

Doors Open: 1:00 pm

Panel : 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Moderator:

Lisa Ferrell is CMII Professor of Practice. In that role, she serves as a principal liaison between the Creative Media Industries Institute and the wider media industries, and coordinates projects that bring media production companies to the Institute, working with GSU students and taking advantage of the new performance capture systems available in the CMII core studio. She heads the curricular area in CMII that aims to prepare students for careers in media producing.

Ferrell brings many years of industry experience to her work at GSU. She has worked in series and telefilm development for such companies as CBS, Lifetime Television/Hearst Entertainment, NBC and TBS.

Panelists:

Marian Ayim is a seasoned Filmmaker, TV broadcast and Multimedia Specialist with over a decade of experience in cinematography, camera operation, technical directing and various filmmaking roles. Her expertise spans multiple genres, environments, and production types, with a proven track record with prestigious organizations such as Ultima Studios, EbonyLife Studios, Elevation Church Media, KWESE TV, Tatafo HQ, Film Factory, Genesis Studios, Redpepper and Multichoice Nigeria (SuperSport & AfricaMagic).

She is an Evangelist and advocate for embracing new technologies and AI to grow creative work for a sustainable future for the creative economy. She believes AI is a tool in our creative belt, and when used ethically; amplifies storytelling. She also would like to see support and contributions from industry experts to policies and regulations that ensure safety, fairness, and balance between innovation and human creativity.

Esther Kemi Gbadamosi is the Founder/Creative Director of Radioxity Media out of Lagos, Nigeria. A filmmaker and stop motion animator her films have received several international filmmaking awards including a 2024 nomination for the Oscars Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, Berlinale Mastercard Fellowship 2024,Berlinale Talents 2023 and Winner MIFA Annecy 2022 Nigeria. In 2025, she designed, fabricated and launched Africa's first locally made studio grade, ball and socket stop motion armature kit.

Elijah Adefope is a Media and Technology Attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, he is a Senior Commercial Counsel at Bazaarvoice Inc., a marketing technology and AI-driven e-commerce company. Before that, he was Lead Counsel at Substack, a digital media platform for creators and media professionals. Elijah also advises and consults for artists, media professionals, and creative entrepreneurs.

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Check out our 2023 AI Panel with special guest Terri J. Vaughn: Watch here