06/12/2025 –, Main Stream Langue: English
Ever spent 40 minutes choosing a movie, only to rewatch something you didn’t even love?
In this talk, I’ll share how I built Movie Groovy, a Python-based app that recommends movies based on how you feel. I’ll walk through how I used tools like FastAPI, Qdrant, Gemini (and some more) to create emotionally-aware suggestions, combining filtering logic, a lightweight Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) approach, and an agentic flow that guides users step-by-step through their choices, for a more personalized experience.
More than the stack, we’ll explore why empathy matters in AI, how user feedback shaped the design, and how you can build meaningful tools using open-source solutions, even as a solo dev.
If you’re into Python, curious about AI beyond the hype, or just want to build things that feel more human, this talk is for you.
This talk shares the story behind Movie Groovy, a mood-based movie recommendation app I built using Python and lightweight GenAI techniques. Inspired by a common real-life frustration (trying to choose something to watch after a long day that actually matches how you feel), the project blends logic, emotional UX, and modern GenAI tools into a thoughtful user experience.
I’ll walk through the high-level design choices, how I combined retrieval and generation in a simple but effective way, and the role of agentic design in shaping dynamic, emotionally-aligned results. I’ll share the key ideas, lessons learned, and the thinking process that made it work.
You’ll leave with:
- An idea of how GenAI can be used creatively in everyday tools
- Ideas for integrating emotional context into user-facing apps
- Inspiration to start or refine your own solo project
- A look at how open-source tech can be used to build something meaningful: fast and with empathy
This talk is suitable for anyone interested in Python, GenAI, or building applications that feel more human.
Vasiliki is a software engineer and AI/R&D manager, currently focusing on projects at the intersection of AI, innovation, and social good. She’s a PyGreece organizer, Women Techmakers Ambassador, and #IAmRemarkable facilitator, supporting inclusive tech communities and mentoring newcomers. She also co-leads Boundless Minds, a space for open conversations about impostor syndrome, public speaking, and emotional well-being in the workplace. When she's not coding or organizing events, you'll find her sketching ideas for her next handmade bag or swapping movie tips over coffee.