/// 4 March 2026 at 12:00 CET

In this workshop we will take a journey into a form of drama that has influenced cinema since its beginnings in the most unexpected ways. There are numerous examples of films from the most diverse genres based on or inspired by tragic myths and characters, or other films that make use of those principles, from pure tragedies to political dramas, from tragicomedies to science fiction. We will explore new perspectives to well-known examples. We will unravel the hidden fascination of ancient tragedy, its inexhaustible wealth, and investigate the so-called paradox of tragedy, the root of its cathartic pleasure.

Our approach focuses on the components and the function of tragedy, the tragic elements and the tragic character as they can be inspected in films. We comprehend tragic not only as a narrative tool, but as a way of perceiving human nature itself. We analyze and explain the function of the tragedy’s narrative devices in their simplicity and purity, as well as the creative and magical power of myths, so that they may become inspiration and tools in the hands of the modern screenwriter.

About Nancy:

Nancy Biniadaki is a Berlin-based, Greek-born writer and director with over 30 years of industry experience across film, theatre, and television. Her academic foundation began with Classical Philology at the University of Athens, and she later pursued Film Direction and Screenwriting, completing her Master of Arts at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. She has directed many awarded short films, and numerous documentaries for Greek State TV. She has been honored with the prestigious Grimme Preis for her short film THE MOON AND I (2015, commissioned by ZDF/KiKa), with the Melina Merkouri Greek State Award, and has participated at the Biennale of Young Artists in Rome. Her first feature film THE SURFACE OF THINGS (2017) premiered in Competition at Thessaloniki IFF and was awarded Best Greek Newcomer Director at Athens IFF. Her second feature MAYSOON (2024) celebrated World Premiere at Oldenburg IFF and International Premiere at Thessaloniki IF, and was awarded at both the Best Performance Award (for Sabrina Amali). At the German Film Festival Filmnächte Ahrenshoop, MAYSOON was awarded Best Film. Beyond her work in film, Nancy Biniadaki has been engaged in theatre and opera productions in Greece, Italy, and in Berlin, creating video projections and dramaturgical concepts that merge different artistic disciplines.

/// 25 March 2026 at 14:00 CET
In this hands-on workshop, filmmaker and screenwriter Rafael Leal explores how AI tools can assist with ideation, outlining, character development and world-building. You'll gain a grounded understanding of how to use AI as a collaborative creative partner—while grappling with the real ethical questions it raises about authorship, originality and the future of storytelling. Designed especially for emerging writers, this session is ideal for anyone curious (but cautious) about integrating AI into their practice.

About Rafael:
Rafael Leal is a Berlin-based filmmaker and the creator/head writer of Passinho – The Rhythm of Dreams (Disney+). His portfolio spans major projects for NBC/Universal, Star+, and European broadcasters. He’s also the mind behind The Privilege Game Show—a VR documentary-game funded by Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg. With a PhD in Film & Media, Rafael has mentored over 350 screenwriters and taught at Catalyst, fs Köln, SRH, and PUC-Rio.

🔗 rafaelleal.com
🎬 Rafael on IMDb