Joni Gutierrez, Ph.D.

Film & Media Studies | AI Cinematic Realism | Human–AI Collaboration

Seattle, Washington | Email | www.jonigutierrez.com

Earlier scholarship published as Jose Gutierrez III.

Research Areas

Cinematic realism; emerging and generative media; AI cinema and synthetic moving images; film theory and history; human–AI collaboration; media authorship and creativity; responsible AI; digital accessibility; Philippine and Asian cinema.

Education

Ph.D., Communication & Film — Hong Kong Baptist University, Academy of Film, Hong Kong | 2018

• Dissertation: “Investigating Kracauerian Cinematic Realism through Film Practice and Criticism: Life-world Series (2017) and Selected Films of Lino Brocka.”
• Principal Supervisor: Prof. Ian Aitken.

M.A., Film & Media Studies — University of the Philippines–Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines | 2008

• Thesis: “Images of the Mother in Lino Brocka Films: 1970–1991.” Adviser: Prof. Nicanor G. Tiongson.

B.A., Psychology, cum laude — University of the Philippines–Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines | 2001

Academic & Professional Appointments

Accessible Technology Specialist & Co-Chair, Campus Digital Accessibility Workgroup — Tacoma Community College, Tacoma, WA | Dec. 2024–Present

• Lead institution-wide digital accessibility strategy, professional development, technology review, and compliance readiness.
• Advise faculty, staff, and institutional leaders on responsible AI integration, emerging technologies, digital pedagogy, accessibility, and technology decision-making.

Co-Chair, eLearning Council AI Task Force — Washington State Community and Technical College System, Washington State | Mar. 2025–Present

• Co-lead statewide AI strategy and collaboration across 34 community and technical colleges.
• Co-developed AI Essentials in Education (AI-Ed), a statewide AI literacy curriculum and micro-credential program.

Instructor, Continuing Education — Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA | 2018; 2026–Present

• Courses and workshops include Black-and-White Photography; Generative AI: Practical and Ethical Use; and AI Filmmaking and Creative Video Generation.
• Develop learning experiences connecting creative practice, emerging technology, responsible AI, and human judgment.

Founding Director & Principal Strategist — CHAIRES: Center for Human–AI Research, Ethics, and Studies / Dr Joni Multimedia, LLC, Washington | Aug. 2020–Present

• Direct research, public scholarship, educational resources, and interdisciplinary initiatives on human–AI collaboration, ethics, responsible innovation, media, and creativity.
• Developed AI Cinematic Realism (AICR), a framework for cinematic meaning, coherence, authorship, and ethical accountability in generative moving-image practice.

Digital Equity Technology Specialist — Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington, Seattle, WA | May 2023–July 2024

Assistant Professor of Film & Media Studies (Tenured) — University of the Philippines Film Institute, Quezon City, Philippines | Nov. 2010–May 2018

• Approved doctoral study leave, Sept. 2013–Aug. 2017.
• Taught film history, theory, criticism, research methods, directing, documentary production, experimental film, media literacy, and communication/media theory.
• Contributed to shared governance, curriculum planning, academic quality, accreditation, faculty hiring, mentoring, and program development.

Film Lecturer — Academy of Film, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong | Oct.–Dec. 2016

Research & Teaching Assistant — School of Communication and Academy of Film, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong | 2013–2016

Senior Lecturer of Film — University of the Philippines Film Institute, Quezon City, Philippines | Nov. 2009–Oct. 2010

Assistant Professor — Communication and Media Studies, San Beda College–Alabang, Muntinlupa, Philippines | June–Oct. 2008

Instructor — Communication Arts, Philippine Women’s University, Manila, Philippines | June–Dec. 2006

Lecturer — Multimedia Arts, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, Manila, Philippines | May 2007–Sept. 2008

Lecturer — Communication Arts, Angelicum College, Quezon City, Philippines | June–Oct. 2009Lecturer — Psychology: Ateneo de Manila University; University of the City of Manila; De La Salle University–Manila | 2003–2004

Major Scholarly & Creative Research Program

AI Cinematic Realism (AICR)

Creator and author of AI Cinematic Realism, a research, critical, pedagogical, and production framework for generative cinema in the post-camera era. AICR examines how cinematic truth can be produced when moving images are synthesized rather than photographically recorded, organizing analysis around perceptual, environmental, and authorial strata; an Ideational Frame; a craft grammar; conscious assembly; a production workflow; a forty-point evaluation rubric; and an open syllabus.

• AI Cinematic Realism, 2nd ed. (2026).
• AI Cinematic Realism (AICR): The Framework in Full (2026), definitive public presentation of the framework.
• Teaching AI Cinematic Realism (AICR): An Open Syllabus (2026), openly licensed 13-week course.
• AI Cinematic Realism (AICR) Production Manual (2026).
• A 40-Point Rubric for Evaluating AI Cinematic Realism (2026).
• AI Cinematic Realism for AI Filmmakers: The AICR Framework, Its Ideas, and Its Craft (2026).
• Intentional Seeing: AI Cinematic Realism as a Pedagogy for the Post-Camera Era (2026).
• AI Cinema Lab, an ongoing series of numbered practice-based studies in synthetic cinema.

Publications

Books

Gutierrez, Joni. 2026. AI Cinematic Realism. 2nd ed.

Gutierrez, Joni. 2025. AEIOU Ethos: A Framework for Responsible AI.

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2013. Images of the Mother in Lino Brocka Films. Manila: Vee Press. ISBN 978-971-97-0463-8.

Book Chapters

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2020. “Cinematic Contemplation Online: The Art and Philosophy of Life-world Series (2017).” In Reconceptualizing the Digital Humanities in Asia, edited by Kaby Wing-Sze Kung, 31–52. Singapore: Springer.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2017. “The Realist Cinema of Lino Brocka.” Plaridel: A Philippine Journal of Communication, Media, and Society 14 (2): 169–178.

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2016. “Lukács, Kracauer, and Lino Brocka’s Manila in the Claws of Light (1975).” Plaridel: A Philippine Journal of Communication, Media, and Society 13 (2).

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2015. “Representations and Discourses in Internet Comedy.” Plaridel: A Philippine Journal of Communication, Media, and Society 12 (1): 233–240.

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2015. “Animation and Realism: A Review of RPG Metanoia (2010).” Plaridel: A Philippine Journal of Communication, Media, and Society 12 (1): 241–251.

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2014. “New Objectivity: A Review of Fritz Lang’s M (1931).” Plaridel: A Philippine Journal of Communication, Media, and Society 11 (2): 222–227.

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2012. “Filipino Indie by Way of Southeast Asian Independent Cinema.” Plaridel: A Philippine Journal of Communication, Media, and Society 9 (2): 97–104.

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2011. “Pursuing Sustainability in Filipino Indie Filmmaking.” Plaridel: A Philippine Journal of Communication, Media, and Society 8 (2): 53–70.

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2009. “Images of the Mother in Lino Brocka Films: 1970–1991.” Plaridel: A Philippine Journal of Communication, Media, and Society 6 (2): 107–126.

Encyclopedia Contribution

Gutierrez, Jose III. 2013. “Philippines, Migration, 1948 to Present.” In The Encyclopedia of Global Human Migration, edited by Immanuel Ness. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Teaching Experience & Courses Taught

University of the Philippines Film Institute

Courses taught: Film 100 – Introduction to Film; Film 102 – History of Philippine Cinema; Film 103 – History of World Cinema; Film 106 – National Cinemas; Film 130 – Film Genres; Film 131 – Narrative Film; Film 133 – Experimental Film; Film 158 – Directing; Film 220 – Advanced Documentary Film Production; Film 290 – Historical & Critical Research Methods in Film; Film 10 – Art of Film (General Education); Film 12 – Philippine Film Appreciation (General Education); Media 220 – Media Literacy; Comm 130 – Communication and Media Theories.

Hong Kong Baptist University

• FILM2017 – Introduction to Moving Image and Sound (Lecturer, 2016).
• Teaching Assistant: Introduction to Film and Media Arts; Studies in German Cinema; Studies in French Cinema; Film History; Communication Research Methods (2013–2016).

Bellevue College Continuing Education

• AI Filmmaking and Creative Video Generation (2026).
• Generative AI: Practical and Ethical Use (2026).
• Black-and-White Photography, Digital Photography Certificate Program (2018).

Selected Current Curriculum Development

• AI Essentials in Education (AI-Ed), co-developed statewide AI literacy course for Washington’s community and technical college system.
• Teaching AI Cinematic Realism (AICR): An Open Syllabus, 13-week openly licensed course linking classical realist film theory, post-photographic cinema, generative systems, critical evaluation, and creative practice.

Selected Invited Talks, Keynotes & Workshops

2026. “Keynote – Eight Essential Principles for Human-Centered Learning in the Age of AI.” Beyond the Bot: Fostering Career-Connected Learning Amidst the Realities of Generative AI, The Evergreen State College.

2026. “Synthetic Video, Real Responsibility: Ethical AI Video Generation for Communication, Design, and Creative Work.” Tacoma Community College Summer PD Day.

2026. “Pattern Generation Is Not Creativity: What Film Education Teaches Us About Student Authorship in an AI Age.” AI+OER Institute 2026, Clover Park Technical College.

2026. “Human-Centered Learning in the Age of AI: Eight Essential Principles.” ATL + WACC 2026.

2026. “Human-A.I. Collaboration: Creativity, Ethics, and Everyday Intelligence.” Whatcom Community College.

2026. “Human-Centered Learning in the Age of AI: Eight Essential Principles.” Faculty Developers Community of Practice Convening, Seattle.

2026. “Digital Accessibility Leadership Winter Camp.” Tacoma Community College, five-part professional development series.

2025. “AI in Admissions & Registration — Promise, Risks, and a Way Forward.” Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Admissions & Registration Council.

2025. “Plenary – Why Digital Accessibility Matters.” Tacoma Community College.

2025. “Ethical AI Frameworks: Equity-in-Action Workshop.” Tacoma Community College.

2025. “Equity and AI in Higher Education.” Washington State eLearning Council AI Task Force.

2024. “Responsible AI Adoption and Effective Usage: Microsoft Copilot.” Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington.

2023. “Keynote – Cognitive Allies: Complementing Research Skills with AI.” ANPOR-APCA Annual Conference.

Selected Conference Presentations

2017. “Phenomenalist-realist Film Aesthetics in Life-world Series.” The Poetics of Asian Cinemas Conference, Asian Cinema Studies Society, Lancaster University, UK.

2016. “The Realist Cinema of Lino Brocka.” Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS) Conference, Atlanta, GA.

2016. “Imaging the Umbrella Movement via Kracauerian Cinematic Realism.” International Communication Association (ICA) Conference, Fukuoka, Japan.

2016. “Tapping into the Life-world through Online Cinema and Photography: A Case Study of Life-world Series.” Asian Congress for Media and Communication, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

2016. “Tapping into the Life-world through Online Cinema and Photography: A Case Study of Joni Gutierrez’s Hong Kong Series.” Research Institute for Digital Culture and Humanities Conference, Open University of Hong Kong.

2015. “Animation and Realism: A Review of RPG Metanoia (2010).” Research Institute for Digital Culture and Humanities Conference, Open University of Hong Kong.

2015. “The ‘Brocka Film’: Conventions of Melodrama and Realities in Martial Law-Era Philippines.” International Postgraduate Conference, Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

2015. “Animation and Realism: A Close Reading of RPG Metanoia (2010).” Situations: Cultural Studies in the Asian Context International Conference, Hong Kong Baptist University.

2014. “The Social Realist Cinema of Lino Brocka.” Global Symposium on Social Sciences, Phuket, Thailand.

2014. “Representations and Discourses in Internet Comedy: 9gag.com.” Globalization and Localization in the New Media Age, Communication University of China, Beijing.

2014. “Intuitionist Realism and Phenomenology in the Cinema of Lino Brocka.” Asian Congress for Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong.

2013. “Independent Documentary Film in the Philippines.” Documentary Film in South and South-East Asia International Conference, Hong Kong Baptist University.

2012. “Representations and Discourses in Internet Comedy: 9gag.com.” Asian Congress for Media and Communication, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok.

2010. “Images of the Mother in Lino Brocka Films: 1970–1991.” Society for Cinema and Media Studies Conference, Los Angeles, CA.

Creative Research, Screenings & Exhibitions

Life-world Series (2017, 118 min.), ten-film omnibus and practice-based component of doctoral research; exhibited as a multi-screen video installation at ASEANnale, Philippines (2018).

Life-world Series screening and seminar, Hong Kong Baptist University (2017); University of the Philippines Film Institute (2017).

Home for Now, collection of 60 photographs of Hong Kong; exhibited at Hong Kong Baptist University Library (2016), Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong (2016), and Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Hong Kong (2017).

Green (2013), screened at FACINE XX/bente: The 20th Annual Filipino American Cine Festival, San Francisco.

AI Cinema Lab (2026–present), ongoing practice-based studies testing AICR concepts in generative moving-image production.

Academic, Institutional & Professional Leadership

Co-Chair, Washington State eLearning Council AI Task Force (2025–present): statewide collaboration, AI literacy, governance, policy guidance, and responsible adoption across 34 community and technical colleges.

Co-Chair, Campus Digital Accessibility Workgroup, Tacoma Community College: institutional accessibility governance, compliance readiness, professional development, procurement, and technology review.

Founder & Director, CHAIRES: Center for Human–AI Research, Ethics, and Studies: interdisciplinary research, public scholarship, educational resources, and responsible innovation.

University of the Philippines: service on committees supporting shared governance, curriculum planning and review, accreditation, faculty hiring, academic quality, and long-term program development.

Selected Fellowships & Professional Development

Fellow, Hong Kong Documentary Initiative, University of Hong Kong (2016).

Fellow, Cinema and Human Rights Workshop, Hong Kong (2016).

Fellow, Kritika National Workshop on Art and Cultural Criticism, Philippines (2014).

Canvas Certified Educator — Higher Education (2025; valid through 2027).

Selected Professional Memberships

Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS) | International Communication Association (ICA) | Asian Cinema Studies Society (ACSS) | Asian Congress for Media and Communication (ACMC)