Unpacking Science: from Lab to Lens

Join the creative team and executive producers behind a film about HVTN and the journey to an HIV vaccine for an inside look at how science becomes story.

From working with scientists and researchers to engaging faith leaders, community organizers, and activists across 16 locations on three continents, this team navigated the challenges of telling a deeply scientific story with both rigor and heart. They’ll share how they unpacked complex research while capturing its human impact around the globe.

After their reflections and Q&A, participants are invited to a hands-on 15-minute session, where the team will help tackle any scientific storytelling challenge you bring to the table. (To make the most of the session, please share your challenge in advance.)  

Location: TBC

Host: Sally Bock

A philosopher at heart and a multi-faceted strategist by practice, I enjoy bringing clarity to ambiguity, and delving into the space between culture and story to distill complex ideas into simple terms. As a creative leader and multistrategist I help brands large and small create meaning, connect emotionally and elevate their stories. My expertise in brand strategy, storytelling and creative campaigns stretches across technology, health care, consumer, social good, education, and arts and culture.

Currently at Fred Hutch Cancer Center I lead communications strategies for the HIV Vaccine Trials Network's global clinical trials, making sure science feels human. In 2020, I guided the marketing effort to support the COVID-19 vaccine Phase 3 trials, engaging 700,000+ volunteers within six months through multicultural campaigns across the U.S., South Africa, Brazil, and Peru.

Norbi Zylberberg

Norberto -Norbi- Zylberberg is a creative leader and storyteller with a career built on crafting narratives that connect with audiences in meaningful, emotionally resonant ways. Originally from Argentina and living in Austin for 23 years, he began his journey in advertising with a master-level degree in copywriting and marketing, and over the years he's written commercials, developed award-winning campaigns, and directed short films—all with a focus on concise, impactful storytelling. His work has been recognized at Cannes, Clio, and other international festivals, reflecting a commitment to stories that not only sell but also entertain and inspire.

Throughout his career, Norbi specialized in bringing clarity and emotion to short-form narratives, from commercials to branded content, while also expanding into long-form projects that demand a deeper social sensibility. One of the most meaningful opportunities was contributing to a documentary where the challenge was to humanize complex science through authentic, empathetic storytelling. Whether in thirty seconds or seventy two minutes, his approach remains the same: uncover the truth at the core of a message and shape it into a story that moves people.

To complement this creative practice, Norbi has pursued ongoing studies in leadership, user experience, social media, and diversity and inclusion at institutions including VCU, the Berlin School of Creative Leadership, Georgetown, UCSF, and Cornell. This blend of craft, curiosity, and cultural awareness generated at his agency - Socialisssima - continues to inform his work—helping brands, nonprofits, and film projects alike connect with audiences through stories that are both relevant and real.

Guido Rutenberg

Guido Rutenberg is an audiovisual producer with extensive experience in the advertising, film, and communication industries. Trained in post-production, he began his career in advertising as a digital compositor and editor. After a brief period as a film director, he fully dedicated himself to executive production and to leading his own production company, Mu Films, from where he has driven the development and execution of campaigns for major global brands.

With a creative vision and strong management skills, Guido has led projects ranging from television commercials and digital content to documentaries and institutional communication pieces. His style is distinguished by the combination of narrative sensitivity and efficiency in team and resource organization, achieving high-impact results both artistically and strategically.

Since the 2020 pandemic, he has embraced a collaborative working model that led him to develop, among other projects, commercials and outreach pieces for the HVTN (HIV Vaccine Trials Network). Within this framework, a highlight is his role as one of the executive producers of the documentary work featured in this festival.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with production companies, agencies, and international organizations, building a network that positions him as a reliable reference within the audiovisual sector. He is currently developing projects that integrate innovation, storytelling, and technology with the aim of connecting brands and audiences through relevant and memorable stories.