Modern Storytelling with GenAI
“The measure of a culture is not just what it does, but the quality of its aspirations, the metaphors that propel it forward and the belief systems that mediate the behaviour of its people.” - Wade Davis
In an exciting contribution for both filmmaking and artificial intelligence, we are embarking on a creative endeavor to tell the remarkable story of Soowon Yoon Kim, a cultural bridge-builder whose journey from war-torn Korea to the halls of Princeton exemplifies resilience and wisdom. Our team is pioneering the use of Generative AI to enhance biographical storytelling while maintaining authentic human connections.
The BlissQuest project is bound by two key milestones: a soft launch in November 2024 and a public premiere in May 2025. Our objectives span from technical innovation (responsibly employing GenAI for historical recreation) to cultural authenticity (preserving Soo's unique journey) and community impact (engaging both curated and public audiences).
To kick off this project, we're hosting an intensive four-hour workshop that brings together creatives, storytellers, technologists, and cultural experts. The workshop will tackle crucial elements like narrative structure, character development, and GenAI integration through hands-on exercises and collaborative planning. Sessions include "Building Better Bridges in the Story," focusing on narrative flow, and "Technology Meets Tradition," exploring how AI can enhance rather than replace traditional media and storytelling methods.
What makes this project remarkable is its balanced approach to innovation. While we're pushing the boundaries of what's possible with GenAI, we're strongly committed to preserving the heart and essence of Soo's story. We are using AI as a tool and emerging technology to bring historical narratives to life in ways that resonate with modern audiences while honoring the past. We are being guided by the efforts of experts at Sub-Basement Archival, who deeply understand archival research, licensing/copyright and documentary film production.
Stay tuned as we reimagine how stories can be told in the age of AI.