AI masterclass at EWA Network event at the Berlinale
In an ever-changing technological landscape, we are pleased to offer EWA members an interactive introductory workshop on generative AI. This workshop will focus on practical workflows, creative empowerment and the responsible use of AI.
This event is exclusive to EWA members. If you are not yet a member, join EWA Network today to take part in this and inspiring programme.
WHEN: February 16th 2026 at 11h
Registration will open soon. Contact at ewawomen.com for more information.
11:00-13:00 MASTERCLASS: AI for Filmmakers – Practical Visual Storytelling
A masterclass session with Shamila Lengsfeld, a German-Iranian director, screenwriter and AI filmmaking expert working at the intersection of live-action cinema and AI-based visual storytelling.
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Hands-on Masterclass
Audience: Producers, fi lmmakers, writers, editors and audiovisual professionals with little or no prior AI experience
This hands-on masterclass offers a practical introduction to AI-powered visual storytelling. This masterclass explores how fi lmmakers can use AI for pitching, visualization, previs and VFX, with real examples, live demonstrations, and hands-on guidance. A focus on practical workfl ows, creative empowerment, and responsible AI use.
AI in Filmmaking—Overview
● Democratization of visual tools
● Use cases across development, preproduction and postproduction
● Limitations: precision, hallucination, ethics, bias
Prompting & Visual Development
● Prompt structure and logic
● Narrative tone, genre and cinematography
● Character and environment visualization
AI Tools & Hybrid Workfl ows—Live Demonstration
● Weather and time-of-day changes
● Lighting variation
● Reframing and alternative camera angles
● AI-assisted establishing shots
● Reframing, upscaling, lighting adjustments
● Continuity fi xes and low-budget VFX
● Safe vs. unsafe use cases
Ethics
● Bias, authorship and responsible AI use
SHAMILA LENGSFELD
Shamila Lengsfeld 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 visualization, hybrid VFX workflows and practical use cases across the filmmaking pipeline. Her work ranges from pitch visualization 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, as well as the Female Filmmakers Film Festival Berlin. Her focus lies on practical AI workflows, creative empowerment and responsible AI use in film production.
11:00 to 13:00 AI for Filmmakers – Practical Visual Storytelling
In this hands-on masterclass, director and AI consultant Shamila Lengsfeld offers a practical introduction to AI-powered visual storytelling. This masterclass explores how filmmakers can use AI for pitching, visualization, previs and VFX, with real examples, live demonstrations and hands-on guidance.
A focus on practical workflows, creative empowerment, and responsible AI use.