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. Emerging Technologies Research Lab, Monash University

Signal

Patchy and unreliable mobile and internet connectivity impacts the everyday lives of First Nations people living in remote Australia. On Erub, on the eastern end of Zenadth Kes (the Torres Strait Islands), mobile access is critical for cultural preservation and safety out on the sea. Follow NAIDOC Award winner, Meuram linguist and educator Lala Gutchen as she goes fishing on her home island, engaging in a longstanding cultural practice irrevocably shaped by modern communications challenges.

This film was produced by the ADM+S / Telstra Mapping the Digital Gap research project in partnership with Torres Strait Islander Media Association (TSIMA).

Non-Human Supports Used by Autistic People for Connection, Health and Wellbeing (10 min)

This film is part of the ADM+S UNSW Node’s autistic-led project ‘Non-human supports used by autistic people for connection, care and wellbeing’. It involves three autistic people talking about how they use digital and non-digital objects, practices and creatures to help them meet their needs. From high-tech devices such robot dogs and game apps to warm-blooded felines and fun nail art, Meg, Yssy and Sophie reveal their favourite ways to find comfort, care, happiness, creativity and connection to the world.

The project team is Megan Rose and Deborah Lupton, working 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