The third day of the Tech Media Startup Expo 2024 at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in the media-tech industry. Themed ‘Her Story, Her Screen’, the day highlighted women’s leadership, innovation, and representation in storytelling and media, showcasing a powerful narrative of inclusivity and progress.
The event began with an engaging session titled Generational Evolution: Women Shaping the Future of Storytelling. This free-flowing discussion brought together distinguished voices from the industry, including Gayathri Guliani, a trailblazing leader and Founder & CEO of Kleos Entertainment; Jividha Sharma, COO of SP Cinecorp and a rising innovator in media-tech; Akanksha Aurora, a versatile storyteller, content writer, and stand-up comedian; and Meenacshi Martins, a visionary actor with a wealth of experience. The discussion explored how women are revolutionizing storytelling by introducing fresh perspectives, breaking entrenched stereotypes, and fostering diversity in narratives.
Meenacshi Martins stated “Women in India are becoming stronger, asserting their rights and duties across various fields. I’ve seen a significant rise in women-centric projects that are crafted with precision and thoughtfulness. We’ve come a long way, almost like completing a generational cycle, where positive and empowering roles are now emphasized over stereotypical leads or vamps. This marks a pivotal step forward for us as we continue to move ahead.”
In the second session, Redefining Media: Her Narrative, Her Power, a panel discussion moderated by Gayathri Guliani brought together some of the industry’s most accomplished professionals.
Panelists included Jividha Sharma, Debasrita Datta, Content Head at Rocked Films; Nisary Mahesh, Founder & CEO of HerMoneyTalks; Gitika Aggarwal, Partner at Neo Juris Advocates & Solicitors; and Rukma Prabhudesai, Creative Director.
Together, they discussed how media serves as a powerful tool for empowerment and advocacy, delving into topics such as innovative content creation, redefining women’s roles in media, creating avenues for meaningful representation and how women and the society have overcome the aspect of gender biases in India. For those in the tech and startup ecosystem, the ability to articulate one’s vision, convey ideas persuasively, and build a personal narrative is critical. Much like creating compelling media content, building a startup requires a strong sense of identity and purpose, coupled with the confidence to challenge conventions and disrupt existing norms.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A, providing attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers.
The day closed with the Youth Perspective Panel: Future Voices in Media, featuring Akanksha Aurora and Vasudev Bose. This forward-looking discussion emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent in the media industry and creating a collaborative space for emerging voices to thrive. The session served as an inspiring conclusion to a day filled with insights, creativity, and a collective vision for the future.
A prominent highlight of the discussion revolved around the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its transformative impact on the media and entertainment industry. Akanksha and Vasudev shared their insights on adapting to generative AI technologies, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between innovation and authenticity. They addressed questions on how AI tools are enabling creative professionals to push boundaries while staying true to their core artistic visions. From revolutionizing content curation to creating hyper-personalized experiences, the panel reflected on the immense potential of AI while stressing the need for ethical adaptation and human oversight.
Additionally, Tech Media at Film Bazaar on its third day featured an eclectic mix of international and state-level stalls, attracting representatives from across the globe. The event witnessed vibrant interactions between visitors, including foreign delegates, and stall representatives, highlighting its growing international significance and fostering meaningful exchanges that emphasize the global appeal of the platform.
The Tech Media Startup Expo 2024 continues to inspire innovation and collaboration. Day 3’s focus on women’s empowerment has set the stage for even greater achievements, reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusivity and progress. As the expo moves forward, attendees are encouraged to participate in the coming sessions, which promise to deliver more groundbreaking discussions and networking opportunities.
