CWC Global: The Art of the Benshi

The Carsey-Wolf Center presents a unique blend of cultural and technological exploration with two distinct events: "CWC Global: The Art of the Benshi" and "A Conversation with Zack Kass, Global AI Advisor and Former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI."

In "The Art of the Benshi," audiences will experience the mesmerizing performance of Ichiro Kataoka, a celebrated Japanese benshi, who revives the traditional art of silent film narration. Joined by pianist Makia Matsumura, Kataoka will perform a selection of short films, including the animated short "A Snipped Snake" and Laurel and Hardy’s "Liberty," followed by the avant-garde masterpiece "A Page of Madness." The live narration in Japanese will be subtitled in English, and afterward, Kataoka will partake in a discussion about the benshi tradition with moderator Naoki Yamamoto, a specialist in film theory and Japanese cinema. This event highlights the Carsey-Wolf Center's commitment to showcasing international media and classic cinema.

Meanwhile, the center also hosted Zack Kass, a prominent figure in the AI industry and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI. In a conversation moderated by Professors Jennifer Holt and Ross Melnick, Kass shared his insights on the impact of AI across media industries as part of the Media Industries and AI Initiative. Kass’s expertise extends to advising Fortune 1,000 companies on incorporating AI technologies, making him a key voice on navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. His participation in this initiative reflects the center’s dedication to exploring critical transformations and the future of media.

Together, these events underscore the Carsey-Wolf Center's mission to engage audiences with dynamic discussions and performances spanning cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology.