Structure
Students from the three cooperating institutions work together in an interdisciplinary setting to design a shared fictional story world defined by a central key event. Based on this common foundation, participants are divided into small teams that develop different narrative versions of the same world, following six distinct dramaturgical models (conservative, alarmed-conservative, restorative, irreparable, post-traumatic progressive, progressive). Each model generates specific world logics, temporal structures, and conflict systems.
In a final step, the parallel world versions are compared and synthesized into a complex, multilayered story world. The process is deliberately media-open and includes textual, visual, and audiovisual formats – ranging from conceptual sketches and scenographic designs to filmic and AI-assisted narrative experiments.
Thematic Framework
At its core, the masterclass explores how fictional worlds reflect ideological and political worldviews. Story worlds are understood not as neutral settings, but as narrative dispositifs that organize perception, morality, and imaginaries of the future.
Within the framework of artistic research, world building is treated as an experimental epistemic practice: by systematically varying a shared initial world, contrasting world models become visible and can be critically reflected in their interaction. The aim is to investigate the conditions of narrative construction itself and to explore the tensions between multiplicity, coherence, and ideological framing as a productive artistic and research-based field.
Target Group
The group consists primarily of students in narrative and visual arts programs (e.g., screenwriting and dramaturgy, directing, production, editing, scenography, cinematography, animation, design, architecture, urban futures). Depending on the application pool and interests, the working groups may also be expanded to include participants from acoustic disciplines (e.g., sound, film music) as well as other artistic fields.
Open Call
The masterclass is open to master’s students and doctoral candidates from the participating universities as well as those in other artistic disciplines.
📩 Applications (portfolio in text/image/audio) - see link
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2026
🎬 Workshop: September 21 - 26, 2026, Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF
📢 Public presentation: September 26, 2026
🌍 Working language: English
