The second edition of Apulia Digital Experience (ADE), hosted at the Apulia Film House during the Fiera del Levante in Bari, concluded with impressive insights into the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cinema and audiovisual production. Over three days, this international conference gathered digital and creative industry professionals to explore how AI and emerging technologies are transforming content creation and audience engagement.
Antonio Parente, Director General of Apulia Film Commission, highlighted the success of this year’s conference as a testament to the collaboration between Apulia Film Commission and Rai Com, remarking, “AI and the metaverse are reshaping the entire audiovisual landscape, introducing both new opportunities and challenges. Apulia Film Commission is committed to continuing this dialogue, furthering research, and advancing the audiovisual sector.” Roberto Genovesi, Artistic Director of ADE, added, “This event offered a glimpse into the future of audiovisual production, focusing on how AI and the metaverse will redefine content creation and consumption. Our goal is to ensure that technological integration occurs sustainably and ethically, reflecting the industry’s needs and values.”
Contest and Award Highlights
The ADE’s AI visual storytelling contest, “A Visual Storytelling of Puglia through AI,” crowned its winner: the project “Folk.lore” by Andrea Sabatini, Giovanni Zarrelli, and Francesco Criscuolo. This project stood out for its blend of advanced technology and cultural tradition, providing an immersive, personalized experience of Puglia’s folklore. Designed to promote sustainable tourism, Folk.lore invites users to explore the region’s rich heritage, supporting local communities through custom storytelling.
In addition to the contest, ADE recognized excellence in digital licensing with the Digital Licensing Excellence Awards:
• Best Digital Influencer Award went to Winx Club: Spread Magic, Not Hate (Rainbow Spa, The Cybersmile Foundation, and Teemill), focusing on cyberbullying awareness.
• App & Game Award was given to Fall Guys (Devolver Digital and Maurizio Distefano), a globally popular free-to-play game.
• Best Digital Property recognized Team Jay, an animated series by Juventus FC in collaboration with Eclipse Production and Piranha Bar.
• Best Metaverse Brand Extension Award went to Miraculous RP: Quests of Ladybug & Cat Noir (Miraculous Corp, DeAPlaneta Entertainment).
• The Best Digital Retail Experience Award was awarded to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Paramount Global), with a special mention to Minions Market Mania by Jakala.
Apulia Digital Experience is supported by Rai and organized by Rai Com and Apulia Film Commission, with funding from the Puglia Region under the “Promuovere il Cinema 2024” initiative, part of POC Puglia 2014-2020, Action 6.7. This event is set to continue as a key platform for innovation and dialogue in the digital creative industry.