Join Us in Berlin
EWA Network invites you to our Annual Members' Event on February 16th, 2026 at the Collegium Hungaricum Berlin.
This year's programme brings together two essential conversations for today's audiovisual professionals: practical AI skills and mental health in the industry.
The day features a hands-on Masterclass: AI for Filmmakers – Practical Visual Storytelling led by Shamila Lengsfeld. Then EWA Network keynote. Followed by a talk and roundtable with leading industry voices on The Impact of Mental Health of AV Professionals led by Louise Højgaard Johansen. Then networking with cocktails to close.
This event is exclusive to EWA members.
Not yet a member? Join EWA Network today
Event Details
Title: EWA NETWORK ANNUAL EVENT 2026
Date: 16.02.2026
Location: Collegium Hungarium Berlin
Address: Dorotheenstrasse 12, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Programme
ACT I
11:00–13:00
Masterclass: AI for Filmmakers – Practical Visual Storytelling
A hands-on introduction to AI-powered visual storytelling. Learn how filmmakers can use AI for pitching, visualisation, previews, and VFX—with real examples, live demonstrations, and practical guidance. Download the masterclass programme (PDF)
Led by Shamila Lengsfeld (Link to Shamila’s profile below in the page)
BREAK
ACT II
14:00–14:45
EWA Network Keynote
Welcome and opening remarks. EWA in numbers: a showcase of projects supported by the network, plus an overview of our online hangouts and talks. Followed by Q&A with the EWA team.
14:45–16:30
The Impact of Mental Health of AV Professionals
Insights and discussion led by Louise H. Johansen, founder of Sane Cinema.
Followed by a Roundtable: Come Together – Facing Mental Health Challenges Head-On. A conversation about best practices and collective approaches to well-being in the screen industries.
Moderated by Louise H. Johansen, with guests:
• Christine Günther, Producer
• Kerstin Polte, Director
• Asia Dér, Director & Lecturer
16:30–18:00
Cocktails & Mocktails
Open to members and invited non-members.
Shamila Lengsfeld is a German-Iranian director and screenwriter working at the intersection of live-action cinema and AI-based visual storytelling.
She is the recipient of the German Newcomer Film Award for her sci-fi short BLAKE and is known for developing hybrid filmmaking workflows that combine classical production with AI-generated visuals.
Shamila works as an AI consultant for film and series projects in development, advising writers, producers, and directors on AI-based visualisation, hybrid VFX workflows, and practical use cases across the filmmaking pipeline. Her work ranges from pitch visualisation and previs to AI-assisted VFX and fully AI-generated short-form content.
She regularly speaks at international festivals and industry events, including LEaT con, Berlinale panels for the German Society of Cinematographers and AfroBerlin, and the Female Filmmakers Film Festival Berlin.
Her focus: practical AI workflows, creative empowerment, and responsible AI use in film production.
Here is a link to her showreel.
Learn more about Shamila on her website.
Louise Højgaard Johansen (she/her) is the founder of Sane Cinema, an international initiative pushing for healthier practices in the film industry through awareness, training, and education.
Sane Cinema collaborates with leading industry organisations including Erich Pommer Institut, ACE Producers, National Film School of Denmark, FAMU, VŠMU, Marché du Film, and the European Film Market.
Louise has worked as a Danish festival programmer and film industry consultant for nearly 20 years, based in Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and Athens. She is now based in Prague. As a producer, her credits include the documentaries Grandma Lo-fi (2011) and Last and First Men (2020). She holds a Master's degree in Film Studies from the University of Copenhagen.
Find out more about on the Sane Cinema website.
Register Now
EWA Members please register for each Act separately. Seats are limited.
Register for ACT I - Masterclass: AI for Filmmakers
Register for ACT II - EWA Network Keynote & The Impact of Mental Health
Not yet a member? Join EWA Network today to secure your place.