Silvester Zwaneveld and Jum Festen are two creators with a shared fascination for technology, creativity and the impact of AI on work, media and everyday life.
Silvester Zwaneveld is a comedian, writer, illustrator, director and animator. He became well known as one half of the comedy duo Arie & Silvester and subsequently built a broad creative career spanning solo performances, books, animation and interactive stage formats. Through his company Silly Productions, he creates animations and develops innovative applications that bring together visual storytelling, narrative and technology. His experience as a comedian gives him sharpness, timing and humour, while his background as a creator fuels his curiosity about what new technology can genuinely make possible.
About Jim Festen
Jum Festen is a senior media and innovation professional with extensive experience in television, strategy, creative development, editorial work, production and AI. Throughout his career, he has held roles including producer, Head of Programme Development, Head of TV, Editor-in-Chief of Shownieuws, Creative Director and Director of Promo & Graphics. He has worked for organisations including RTL, Endemol, IDTV, SBS, Veronica and Talpa Network, where he led large creative teams and was responsible for formats, promotion, editorial decisions, budgets and programme development.
In recent years, Jum has specialised extensively in generative AI, AI literacy, secure implementation and practical adoption. Through AIbegin and Jummm, he helps organisations approach AI not as an abstract hype, but as a practical tool for everyday processes, creativity, research, communication and innovation. He develops training programmes, delivers keynotes and workshops, advises organisations on the safe use of AI and creates practical workflows and tools. His strength lies in the combination of technical curiosity, media expertise, leadership and a people-centered view of technology.
How to Become an AI Expert
Together, Silvester and Jum wrote the book Zo word je een AI-kenner and developed the keynote and workshops of the same name. Their style is energetic, accessible and interactive. They do not simply demonstrate AI, but allow audiences to experience what happens when technology, imagination and common sense come together.
