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REPLY: The jury for the second edition of the Reply AI Film Festival is announced, which will celebrate the best AI-generated short films

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Gabriele Muccino, together with Caleb & Shelby Ward, Caroline Ingeborn, Charlie Fink, Denise Negri, Dave Clark, Filippo Rizzante, Guillem Martinez Roura, Paolo Moroni, and Rob Minkoff, will evaluate the shortlisted films based on creativity, production quality, and the use of Artificial Intelligence.

CHICAGO, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reply, an international group specialized in the development of new business models enabled by Artificial Intelligence and long committed to the exploration of emerging technologies and supporting the growth of new talent, announces the jury for the second edition of the Reply AI Film Festival. The international competition open to creatives, filmmakers, and videomakers who wish to experiment with the production of short films using the AI tools and explore the continuous evolution of the collaboration of human creativity and technology and the power that this combination brings to storytelling.

The jury will be chaired by Gabriele Muccino, an Italian director and screenwriter known for films such as The Pursuit of Happyness, and Seven Pounds. Joining him on the panel for the second edition of the Reply AI Film Festival are returning members Rob Minkoff, co-director of The Lion King and creator of numerous films including Stuart Little, The Haunted Mansion, and Mr. Peabody & Sherman; Caleb & Shelby Ward, co-founders of Curious Refuge, the first online community dedicated to filmmakers using Artificial Intelligence; and Denise Negri, journalist for SkyTg24 and Sky Arte, and correspondent for major international film events such as the Academy Awards, Cannes, and Venice Film Festivals. New to the jury this year are Dave Clark, founder and Chief Creative Officer of Promise, a production company focused on films, series, and innovative formats created in collaboration with some of the world’s most talented GenAI artists and storytellers worldwide, and Charlie Fink, columnist for Forbes US and expert in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and AI. The jury also includes Filippo Rizzante, Chief Technology Officer at Reply; Caroline Ingeborn, Chief Operating Officer at Luma AI, a platform for creating highly realistic 3D images and videos; Paolo Moroni, Head of Lexus Italy; and Guillem Martinez Roura, AI & Robotics Lead at ITU AI for Good, the United Nations initiative focused on harnessing AI for the benefit of society.

The theme chosen for the 2025 edition is “Generation of Emotions” — an invitation to explore how Artificial Intelligence can evoke authentic and engaging emotions through cinematic language. The jury will evaluate submissions — due by June 1st, 2025 via the platform aiff.reply.com — based on creativity, production quality, and the use of AI in the various stages of development, from script to post-production.

Gabriele Muccino commented: “The Reply AI Film Festival is a pioneering event showcasing technology and art’s exciting intersection. AI is not a replacement for human creativity, but a catalyst for innovation. It will enable filmmakers to explore new styles, genres, and narratives that were previously unimaginable. As President of the Reply AIFF Jury, I’m honored to be part of this journey, discovering new talents and celebrating the bold experiments that will shape the future of cinema. The AI revolution is just beginning, and I’m thrilled to be at the forefront of this creative explosion.”

“The role of AI in the future of the film industry won’t be about replacing filmmakers—it’ll be about expanding what’s creatively possible. It will be a creative collaborator, helping filmmakers visualize ideas faster, experiment more freely, and bring ambitious stories to life with fewer limitations. From pre-production to post, AI will streamline workflows and democratize access to powerful tools, opening doors for more diverse voices and bold storytelling. But filmmaking will always be human at the core because AI can’t feel joy, loss, or love. It hasn’t lived the stories we’re here to tell. Used with intention, AI won’t diminish creativity but elevate it,” said Dave Clark founder and Chief Creative Officer of Promise.

“We are delighted to launch the second edition of the AI Film Festival because we believe in the importance of creating spaces and opportunities to experiment with emerging technologies,” said Filippo Rizzante, CTO of Reply. “The success of the first edition, with over 1,000 short films submitted from 59 countries, underlines the global interest — not only among the younger generations — in initiatives that challenge both technical and creative skills.”

In addition to selecting the most outstanding original short films, the jury will also award two special prizes that are new to this edition: the Lexus Visionary Award, recognizing the most visionary and innovative production that successfully integrates technology, design and forward-thinking, in line with the values that have always guided Lexus’ approach to creativity. And the AI for Good Award, promoted in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which recognizes the best short film that highlights the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Paolo Moroni, Head of Lexus Italy, commented: “It is an honor to be part of the jury for this festival, which invites us to explore how Artificial Intelligence can accelerate the creation of authentic and engaging emotions through the language of cinema, combining innovation, creativity and vision. Much like Lexus – with whom it shares values such as innovation, creativity and forward thinking – this competition celebrates the evolution of film and technology’s ability to support the generation of deep emotions, constantly pushing the boundaries of imagination.”

“I’m thrilled to join the Reply AI Film Festival as a juror and to present the ‘AI for Good Award’. This festival is a unique opportunity to showcase the creative potential of generative AI technologies in storytelling. I’m looking forward to seeing how filmmakers use AI to tell compelling stories, highlighting the importance of sustainable development. AI can be a powerful tool for driving positive change, and I’m excited to see how the festival will inspire new ideas and innovations,” said Guillem Martinez Roura, AI & Robotics Lead at ITU “AI for Good”.

The creatives behind the shortlisted works will be invited to a premiere event, organized by Reply and Mastercard, taking place in September in Venice where the three overall winners will be officially announced.

Reply
Reply [EXM, STAR: REY, ISIN: IT0005282865] specializes in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. Reply is a network of highly specialized companies supporting key industrial groups operating in the telecom and media, industry and services, banking, insurance and public administration sectors in the definition and development of business models enabled for the new paradigms of big data, cloud computing, digital media and the Internet of Things. Reply services include: Consulting, System Integration and Digital Services. www.reply.com 

Press contact

Reply
Fabio Zappelli
f.zappelli@reply.com
Tel. +390117711594

Irene Caia
i.caia@reply.com
Tel. +39 02 535761

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HelloNation Article Examines Full Coverage Auto Insurance With Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow

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The article explains what full coverage auto insurance typically includes, what it excludes, and how coverage limits affect Iowa drivers.

URBANDALE, Iowa, June 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does full coverage auto insurance actually include for drivers in Iowa? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow of Buenzow Insurance Group in Urbandale, Iowa.

The HelloNation article explains that full coverage auto insurance is a commonly used phrase that many drivers misunderstand. While the term suggests broad protection, it usually refers to a combination of liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage within an insurance policy. Understanding what these components cover helps drivers avoid gaps in protection and unexpected costs after an accident.

Liability coverage forms the legal foundation of auto insurance in Iowa. The article explains that liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage that a driver causes to others in an accident. State law requires Iowa drivers to carry minimum liability limits, and full coverage auto insurance policies include at least those required limits. However, liability coverage does not pay for damage to the driver’s own vehicle, which is why additional protection is often necessary.

Collision coverage is the part of a policy that helps pay for damage to the driver’s own vehicle after an accident. The HelloNation article notes that collision coverage applies when a vehicle hits another car, a guardrail, or a stationary object. In most cases, the insurer pays the actual cash value of the vehicle or the repair cost minus the policy’s deductible. Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow is featured in the article as a source of insights on how deductibles influence both insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs during a claim.

Comprehensive coverage addresses a different type of risk. According to the article, comprehensive coverage protects against damage caused by events other than collisions. This includes hail, theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, or animal-related incidents. For Iowa drivers, weather-related risks such as hailstorms can make comprehensive coverage an important part of a full coverage auto insurance policy.

The HelloNation article also explains that deductibles apply to both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. The deductible is the amount the policyholder must pay before insurance coverage begins. Drivers can often choose higher or lower deductibles depending on their financial preferences. Higher deductibles typically reduce premium costs but increase the amount paid out of pocket if damage occurs.

Another important takeaway from the article is what full coverage auto insurance does not automatically include. Standard policies usually do not provide roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or gap coverage unless these features are added separately. The article explains that roadside assistance covers towing or emergency services, while rental reimbursement helps cover the cost of a temporary vehicle during repairs.

Gap coverage is another optional feature highlighted in the article. It is often recommended for drivers who finance or lease newer vehicles. Gap coverage pays the difference between the remaining loan balance and the vehicle’s actual cash value if it is declared a total loss after an accident.

The article also discusses the importance of understanding coverage limits within an insurance policy. Coverage limits determine the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a covered loss. If damage or liability exceeds those limits, the driver may be responsible for the remaining costs. Reviewing coverage limits carefully helps drivers ensure their policy reflects both the value of their vehicle and their financial risk.

Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow is again referenced in the article as part of a broader discussion about how drivers can make informed decisions about Iowa car insurance. The article encourages drivers to evaluate deductibles, coverage limits, and optional protections based on their individual needs.

The HelloNation article concludes by emphasizing that drivers should periodically review their insurance policy. Changes in vehicle value, financial circumstances, and driving habits can all affect the appropriate level of coverage. Understanding the components of full coverage auto insurance helps drivers maintain adequate protection and prepare for unexpected events on the road.

Iowa Auto Insurance: What Full Coverage Includes and Excludes features insights from Ben Buenzow, Insurance Expert of Urbandale, Iowa, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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HelloNation Clarifies Ohio Waiver Waiting List Classifications For Adults With Disabilities, Featuring Home Healthcare Expert Kellan Roberts Of Canton, Ohio

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The article explains immediate need and current need categories and how families can navigate Medicaid waiver programs.

CANTON, Ohio, June 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should families of developmental disabilities know about the Ohio waiver waiting list and how immediate need and current need classifications affect access to services? HelloNation provides guidance in an article featuring insights from Home Healthcare Expert Kellan Roberts of R House Home Health Care Services in Canton, Ohio.

The HelloNation article explains that the Ohio waiver waiting list exists because demand for Medicaid waiver programs often exceeds available funding. To manage this gap, counties use service prioritization categories to determine who receives services first. Understanding how these classifications work helps families plan more effectively and reduce uncertainty.

According to the article, immediate need generally refers to adults with developmental disabilities who cannot safely remain at home without prompt services. This may include individuals who have lost caregiver support or experienced a sudden health crisis. In contrast, the current need applies to individuals who require support but whose living situations remain stable enough to wait for waiver programs to become available.

The article emphasizes that documentation plays a critical role in determining placement on the Ohio waiver waiting list. Families must provide medical records, assessments, and supporting information that clearly demonstrate the level of need. Counties review this documentation carefully and may conduct interviews or home visits to confirm circumstances before assigning a classification.

Accurate and updated records are described as essential for proper service prioritization. Needs can change over time, and families are encouraged to notify county offices if circumstances worsen. A person initially categorized under current need may later qualify as immediate need if conditions shift. Staying engaged ensures that updated information is considered during periodic reviews.

While waiting for Medicaid waiver programs to begin, families may need to explore temporary supports. The article notes that personal care services, homemaker assistance, and community programs can help adults with disabilities maintain daily routines and independent living during the waiting period. These interim solutions provide structure and stability while long-term services are pending.

Family planning is highlighted as an important part of navigating the process. Understanding how waiver programs operate, what services they provide, and how classifications are reviewed allows families to make informed decisions. Planning ahead also reduces stress and prepares adults with disabilities for a smoother transition once services are approved.

The article further explains that service prioritization is not static. Counties regularly reassess waiting lists and adjust classifications based on updated information or changes in resources. Families benefit from understanding review timelines and maintaining open communication with county representatives.

Medicaid waiver programs offer a range of supports, including personal care, homemaker services, transportation, and community engagement. The HelloNation article advises families to consider how these services align with long-term goals related to independence, skill development, and community participation. Preparing in advance allows adults with disabilities to transition into services more efficiently when their turn arrives.

Ultimately, the article presents the Ohio waiver waiting list as a system that requires preparation, patience, and active participation. By understanding immediate need and current need classifications, maintaining proper documentation, and staying involved throughout the review process, families can better advocate for timely care and ensure continued safety and stability.

Immediate vs Current Need: How to Navigate the Ohio Waiver Waiting List features insights from Kellan Roberts, Home Healthcare Expert of Canton, Ohio, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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New white paper on closing the AI fluency gap to support workforce retention published by the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies

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New paper by Dr. Wayne L. McCoy examines how employers can turn AI skill development into a talent retention strategy.

PHOENIX, Ariz., June 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has published a new white paper, “The Retention Mandate: Bridging the AI Fluency Gap to Secure the 2026 Workforce,” authored by Wayne L. McCoy, DM, MBA, and released through the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR).

The paper examines a growing workplace challenge: employees are rapidly building artificial intelligence skills, while many organizations are still developing the policies, processes and career pathways needed to support AI-enabled work. Drawing on the 2026 Career Optimism Index® study and research on workplace psychology, technology readiness and organizational governance, McCoy argues that AI fluency is no longer only a productivity issue — it is a retention issue.

“Workers are not waiting for organizations to define the future of AI at work,” said McCoy. “Many are already learning, experimenting and building confidence with AI tools. The opportunity for employers is to create the structure around that energy with clear standards, practical training, manager support and career pathways that help employees see a future inside the organization.”

The white paper identifies what McCoy describes as an AI fluency gap: a disconnect between worker skill development and organizational readiness. It notes that employee-led AI learning can create mobility and confidence, but also uncertainty when job descriptions, policies, training systems and manager expectations do not keep pace.

What the white paper addresses

“The Retention Mandate” examines how organizations can better align people, processes, technology and data as AI becomes more embedded in the workplace. The paper highlights several factors shaping AI workforce retention:

Employee-led AI learning and “shadow learning”AI’s impact on productivity, skills development and professional identityPsychological safety and employee trust during AI adoptionGovernance structures for responsible organizational AI useManager capability as a driver of employee confidence and retention

The paper proposes a four-step roadmap for employers seeking to strengthen AI readiness and retain AI-fluent talent:

Define AI career pathways and standardsEstablish skills assessment systemsExpand training, tools and structured enablementBuild AI capability among managers

McCoy’s analysis positions AI adoption as a socio-technical transformation, not simply a technology rollout. The paper encourages organizations to pair AI implementation with clear governance, workforce development and leadership practices that support employee confidence, adaptability and long-term engagement.

About the author

Wayne L. McCoy, DM, MBA, serves as a dissertation chair and staff faculty member in University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies. He brings experience in business leadership, technology, entrepreneurship and higher education instruction. McCoy earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Management from University of Phoenix.

“The Retention Mandate: Bridging the AI Fluency Gap to Secure the 2026 Workforce” is available on the College of Doctoral Studies’ Research Hub.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About the College of Doctoral Studies
University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem® with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.

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