Their book "Cinématech - Twenty Works to Understand Digital Technology" is primarily educational in nature, as it allows readers to better understand digital technology and its challenges. But the originality of the approach chosen by the two authors makes it both entertaining and informative. 

"The idea is simple: use 20 films and series to illustrate the history of digital technology, three important technologies (AI, robotics, XR) and their challenges. To do this, we start with Terminator, Her, Wall-E, Minority Report, and many others to make these subjects accessible," explains Anthony Simonofski, Professor in the Faculty of Economics, Management, Political Science, and Communication (EMCP).

Published by the Royal Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Fine Arts of Belgium, the book is an extension of the Pop-Code podcast produced by the two experts and film buffs. In it, they explore the use of pop culture to educate people about digital technology, while examining its challenges and limitations.

Photo de Benoit Vanderose et Anthony Simonofski

"With the book, we can expand on the podcast's content, providing greater consistency and scientific references," explains Benoit Vanderose, professor in the Faculty of Computer Science. 

This new book is aimed at three audiences: 

  • Those who want to better understand digital technology without jargon
  • Film buffs curious to see their favorite works from a different angle
  • Teachers and trainers looking for concrete materials to discuss digital technology in the classroom
More information about the book

Digital sessions at UNamur and a research project

In addition to the Pop-Code podcast and the book Cinématech, Benoit Vanderose and Anthony Simonofski's project also takes the form of "digital sessions" organized at UNamur. What's on the program? Films followed by discussions with experts to understand the challenges of digital technology and stimulate collective reflection. In this project, Anthony Simonofski and Benoit Vanderose are joined by Anne-Sophie Collard and Fanny Barnabé. Next event? February 12 for a screening of I, Daniel Blake (Ken Loach) to talk about digital inclusion! 

Also worth noting on the same theme: the ongoing research project - https://arc-projects.unamur.be/di-fic

The next Digital Session