Lisa Russell - From UN Stages to African Studios, Democratizing Storytelling Through AI

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Lisa Russell, Emmy-winning filmmaker and founder of ArtsEnvoy.AI, who's revolutionizing how stories get told in our AI-powered world. Russell shares her journey from self-taught editor to pioneering AI filmmaker, including her collaboration with Nigerian artist AkayCentric on the climate advocacy music video "Moving On."

We explore how AI tools are democratizing creativity across the Global South, breaking down barriers that have historically limited access to professional filmmaking. Russell discusses her work bringing artists into UN policy spaces, building training platforms across Africa, and her vision for AI that's trained on emotional stories and cultural narratives—not just technical data. This episode reveals how creative technology is becoming the great equalizer for marginalized voices worldwide.