Visual Takes – Cyborgs in the Colors of the Spectrum is a documentary and film series. With 3 very successful screenings in autumn and winter 2022, it addressed the field of tension between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and society. This series is part of the Pillars and Umbrellas event series, which is organized by ScaDS.AI Dresden/Leipzig in cooperation with the office of the Gender Equality Commissioner and Women’s Representative at TU Dresden.

Screenings of Visual Takes – Cyborgs in the Colors of the Spectrum

• The Social Dilemma“ – Documentary, introduction by André Wendler (12.10.2022)
• „Coded Bias“ – Documentary film, introduction by Josephine D’Ippolito (23.11.22 8 p.m.)
• „Her“ – Feature film (07.12.22 8 p.m.)

The Social Dilemma

The first evening took a look at America, where social media platform operators are essentially driving the development and funding of AI. A feature-length documentary focused on the potential risks of social media, especially on our mental health. In the supporting program, we were joined by media culture scholar André Wendler for a discussion.

Coded Bias

The second documentary addressed the desire for inclusive facial recognition software through the fresh lens of a digital activist. Numerous examples were used to show how AI algorithms multiply racial and gender biases. One area of application is video surveillance, which is ubiquitous in China and is also used in Germany, for example, at train stations, airports or border controls. The speaker of the evening was Josephine D’Ippolito, who is concerned with the reflection of gender and AI in the medium of film.

Her

The protagonist of the science fiction film drama professionally writes empathetic letters for people who have difficulty revealing their own feelings to their counterparts. What does a person need to develop feelings? After the breakup of his long-term relationship, he falls in love with the voice of his newly installed operating system, which is based on AI. To what extent is such love possible?

Thanks to everyone for turning Visual Takes – Cyborgs in the Colors of the Spectrum into a success. We especially want to thank our speakers André Wendler and Josephine D’Ippolito for their participation. Did you take part in the screenings? We’d be glad to hear your feedback! More activities for the Pillars and Umbrellas event series are in planning. Don’t forget to have a look at our event calendar for upcoming events.