CICANT researcher at IPDJ and Portugal MediaLab Iniative about AI and Diversity
On May 13, CICANT researcher Carla Sousa took part in the event "AI and Human Rights: How to Guarantee Ethics and Fairness in the Digital World?", held at the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (PISY/ IPDJ). The event was promoted by #PortugalMediaLab and focused on pressing questions surrounding ethics, equity, and human rights in the digital age.
Carla Sousa contributed to the discussion as a speaker in the roundtable on AI and Diversity, where she explored how algorithmic systems impact different social groups, particularly in terms of inclusion and representation. Her insights drew from ongoing research on media, technology, and social justice, highlighting the need for intersectional approaches in digital policy and innovation.
In addition to the roundtable, Sousa led a hands-on workshop exploring the potential of games as tools for developing critical media literacy. Emphasizing the role of interactive media in fostering reflection and active engagement, the session invited participants to consider how game-based methodologies can be leveraged to empower citizens in navigating the digital landscape.
This event forms part of a broader national conversation on ethical digital transformation, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and civil society to co-create pathways toward a more inclusive technological future.
CICANT Researcher at Óbidos Game Dev Sessions
On May 8, CICANT researcher Carla Sousa participated in the Óbidos Game Dev Sessions 2025 with a talk titled "Game Accessibility and Inclusive Practices: Why and How?" The event, part of the broader Óbidos Vila Gaming initiative, brought together key players from the Portuguese gaming ecosystem in a community-driven effort to promote knowledge exchange and skills development.
Carla Sousa’s presentation explored the critical importance of accessibility in game design, shedding light on both the “why” and “how” of inclusive practices in the gaming industry. Drawing from a range of practical experiences and research-based insights, she showcased several projects in which CICANT has played a pivotal role, including GameIN, ID Games, and TEGA.
Throughout her talk, Sousa emphasized the value of designing games that are accessible to players with diverse abilities. She shared evidence-based case studies, highlighted international accessibility guidelines, and offered actionable strategies for developers aiming to create more inclusive gaming experiences.
The Óbidos Game Dev Sessions form an integral part of Óbidos Vila Gaming, an annual event dedicated to promoting gaming culture, education, and innovation. By bridging academia, industry, and community, the initiative fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration around the future of games in Portugal.
CICANT Researcher Co-Authors New Publication on Game-Based Learning
CICANT researcher Carla Sousa has co-authored the article "Implementation of Game-Based Learning in Educational Contexts: Challenges and Intervention Strategies," published in the Electronic Journal of e-Learning.
This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the challenges associated with integrating game-based learning into educational settings. The article was co-authored by Havva Yaman from Trabzon University, who spent a year at CICANT as a visiting scholar. The research is a key outcome of her scientific mission, contributing valuable insights into intervention strategies for overcoming barriers in game-based learning.
The full article is available at: https://doi.org/10.34190/ejel.22.10.3480
CICANT researcher James Dennis presents work on ethnographic methods in Political Communication at Bournemouth University
CICANT researcher James Dennis was invited to present at the Research Process Seminar Series hosted by Bournemouth University on May 20, 2025. His talk, titled “Examining the Dirt Under Your Fingernails: Exploring the Role of Ethnographic Research in Political Communication”, offered an in-depth reflection on the growing relevance of ethnographic methods in understanding today’s complex media and political landscapes.
As digital communication strategies evolve and citizens increasingly engage in political discourse within semi-public and private digital spaces, Dennis emphasized the need for qualitative approaches that can uncover the underlying motivations of communicative practices. Ten years after the influential call by Karpf, Kreiss, Nielsen, and Powers (2015) for a renewed focus on qualitative research in political communication, Dennis revisited the literature to assess the benefits and challenges of ethnographic methodologies.
Drawing on his experience across three major research projects, focused on activist groups, political parties, and news audiences, Dennis shared practical insights into the application of ethnographic tools in hybrid media systems. His presentation not only highlighted the methodological richness of ethnography but also provided a roadmap for future scholars navigating the evolving terrain of political communication.
CICANT researcher Sofia Caldeira organizes international event on Generative AI and Cultural Politics
Sofia Caldeira, integrated researcher at CICANT and board member of the Digital Culture and Communication Section of ECREA, is one of the key organizers of the upcoming international event “Synthetic Imaginaries: The Cultural Politics of Generative AI”, taking place from 8 to 12 September 2025 at the University of Siegen, Germany.
The event is co-organised by the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centers “Media of Cooperation” and “Transformations of the Popular”, in collaboration with the Center of Digital Narratives (University of Bergen), the Digital Culture and Communication Section of ECREA, and the National Research Data Infrastructure Consortium NFDI4Culture.
Bringing together researchers, artists, and media practitioners, this five-day programme will explore how generative AI technologies shape contemporary cultural narratives and social practices. Through a series of keynotes, thematic discussions, and hands-on workshops, participants will critically examine AI’s cultural agency and its implications for media and communication.
As one of the event’s organizers, Sofia Caldeira plays a central role in curating a programme that bridges critical theory, media practice, and methodological innovation in digital research.
Call for Contributions
Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit proposals (up to 500 words) that engage with the event’s themes. Applications for travel stipends are also welcome.
Deadline for submissions: 20 June 2025
Participation is free of charge
For more information, contact:
CICANT researcher Sónia Lamy gives masterclass on feminist movements and media visibility
On April 23, CICANT researcher Sónia Lamy delivered a masterclass titled “Collective Movements and Feminist Organizations in the Informative Public Space: The Challenges of Visibility” at the School of Education and Social Sciences of the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre (IPP).
During the session, she presented key insights from the FEMGlocal Project, which focused on understanding how feminist movements and organizations operate in local and global contexts, particularly regarding their struggles for media representation and public voice. Although the project has now concluded, its findings continue to shed light on the barriers and strategies surrounding feminist visibility in the media and public space.
This masterclass offered students and participants a critical look at how collective feminist efforts navigate and contest the dynamics of media representation. It also reinforces CICANT’s commitment to disseminating cutting-edge research and fostering dialogue on pressing social issues across diverse academic and public settings.
CICANT Researcher Teresa Sofia Castro Appointed to .eu Multistakeholder Advisory Group
CICANT researcher Teresa Sofia Castro has been selected to join the .eu Multistakeholder Advisory Group (.eu MAG). Her appointment follows a public call by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT) for new members.
The .eu MAG plays a crucial role in advising and supporting the European Commission on matters related to the .eu domain, ensuring its development aligns with European digital priorities and values. Teresa’s appointment will span a renewable two-year term, during which she will bring her extensive expertise in digital citizenship and media literacy to the group’s work.
Teresa is registered as a professor and researcher in digital citizenship, listed under the Transparency Register with the registration number REG 220291497746-69. Her involvement in the .eu MAG highlights CICANT’s ongoing commitment to shaping inclusive and forward-thinking digital landscapes across Europe.
CICANT showcases artistic research and innovation at WIRE Summit in Sofia
From June 2 to 5, researchers from Lusófona University/CICANT and faculty from the Department of Cinema and Media Arts took part in the WIRE Summit at NATFA – National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event highlighted Lusófona’s strong contribution to the FilmEU – European University of Film and Media Arts alliance.
During the Artistic Research Exhibition (ARE), works by Hugo Barata and Ricardo Nunes were showcased, exploring innovative approaches to artistic research.
Under the Horizon Mission Pilot Projects, two initiatives were presented:
- Infamous Shipwrecks, led by Célia Quico
- Water As Time, an international project featuring Lusófona professor and filmmaker David Novack.
The film Up This River (Por Este Rio Acima) by Agnes Meng, a documentary filmmaker from China and PhD student in Media Arts at Lusófona University, was also screened as part of the student pilots strand.
Lusófona’s participation also included the Illumina, PhD Seminar, and PhD Café programs, fostering exchange between early career researchers and PhD candidates from across the FilmEU alliance.
CresCine Launches “State of European Film: Volume 2 – 2025” at the Cannes Film Festival
On 19 May 2025, the CresCine project launched the second volume of its flagship report, State of European Film: Volume 2 – 2025, during the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival. The public presentation, entitled “CresCine’s 360-Degree Overview of the State of European Film: Volume 2”, took place from 11:30 to 12:30 on the Main Stage, and was open to accredited badge holders.
This new edition builds on the insights of the first volume, offering a detailed and data-driven panorama of the current landscape of European cinema. It reflects CresCine’s commitment to supporting the growth, diversity, and resilience of the European audiovisual sector, with a particular focus on small film markets and emerging industry trends.
Report Highlights
- Strategic analysis of small European film markets, including Portugal, Estonia, Lithuania, Croatia, Denmark, Ireland, and Flanders;
- Examination of innovative funding mechanisms and policy frameworks to support the sector;
- In-depth discussion on the integration of artificial intelligence in film production and distribution;
- Updated data and comparative insights on audience behaviour, circulation challenges, and market performance;
- Recommendations for strengthening cultural diversity and industry competitiveness at the European level.
The report is available for public consultation in digital format and can be accessed via the official CresCine platform.
Further updates and reflections on the report’s findings will be made available through CICANT’s ongoing dissemination efforts.
CresCine Returns to Cannes: Shaping the Future of European Cinema
From 15 to 19 May 2025, CICANT and its partners from CresCine project will bring bold ideas and forward-looking research to the heart of the film industry: the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival.
As part of Cannes Next 2025, CresCine – an initiative funded by Horizon Europe – will present cutting-edge insights into the future of European cinema, with a special focus on sustainability, innovative financing models, and AI-driven production strategies. The programme is designed to equip filmmakers, producers, and decision-makers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to succeed in today’s fast-changing audiovisual landscape.
This year’s Cannes programme showcases CresCine’s commitment to fostering a thriving, diverse, and resilient screen ecosystem through collaborative research and innovation. The initiative is the result of a dynamic consortium that includes leading academic institutions (such as CICANT), industry organisations like the European Film Academy, and prestigious festivals including the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
Here’s what to expect from CresCine at Cannes 2025:
15 May | CresCine at the Producers Network + Green Toolbox Roundtable & Cocktail
Location: Producers Club, Riviera, Palais des Festivals | By invitation only
CresCine kicks off its Cannes 2025 presence with a full day at the Producers Network, in partnership with Filmby Aarhus. The day includes:
- Participation in Producers Network meetings
- The Green Toolbox Roundtable, a closed-door discussion on sustainable filmmaking practices
- A Cocktail Reception that brings together like-minded professionals focused on innovation and environmental responsibility in film production.
17 May | CresCine’s Deep Dive into the Future of Film & Content Financing
Time: 10:00–12:00
Location: The Viewpoint, Riviera, Palais des Festivals
Access: Open to Marché du Film badge holders
Discover alternative financing models and forward-thinking strategies shaping the audiovisual sector. This session explores how producers and investors can collaborate across new funding pathways in a changing market.
18 May | Empowering Independent Producers with AI & Innovation
Time: 15:00–16:00
Location: The Viewpoint, Riviera, Palais des Festivals
Access: Open to Marché du Film badge holders
This hands-on session will present cases, tools, and expert tips from CresCine’s Producers Club, showing how AI and innovation can be effectively used to support the creative process and streamline production workflows.
19 May | CresCine’s 360° Overview of the State of European Film: Volume 2
Time: 11:30–12:30
Location: Main Stage, Palais des Festivals
Access: Open to all Marché du Film badge holders
A comprehensive presentation of the most up-to-date research on European film production, distribution, and audiences. Volume 2 of CresCine’s industry overview brings fresh data, analysis, and reflections on the current state of cinema in Europe.
19 May | Near Future Retreat #13 – Think. Vision. Action.
Time: 09:00–11:30
Location: Innovation Village | By invitation only
A high-level, future-focused retreat with thought leaders and changemakers discussing actionable guidelines and visionary strategies to help future-proof the European audiovisual sector.
Stay tuned for more updates and learn more about CresCine.