11/02/2025 - The event will tackle how artificial intelligence can foster innovation while preserving European cultural diversity and democratic values

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the audiovisual industry, introducing new possibilities in production, distribution and accessibility. Yet, as AI tools gain prominence, they also raise critical ethical and regulatory challenges. Addressing these issues, the European Parliament’s high-profile panel discussion at the 75th Berlinale, titled “AI in the Audiovisual Sector: Balancing Innovation, Ethics and Democratic Values”, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and creators to explore how AI can foster innovation while preserving European cultural diversity and democratic values.

The event will take place on 14 February, from 15:30-18:30, at Gropius Park’s Mirror Tent. You can register here.

The event, moderated by Sten Saluveer, director of the Tallinn Digital Summit and head of Cannes Next, will feature two focused panel discussions followed by an interactive Q&A session with the audience.

The first panel, featuring Sabine Verheyen (Vice-President of the European Parliament), Renate Nikolay (Deputy-Director General, European Commission), Mads Damsbo (producer, About a Hero [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Piotr Winiewicz
film profile]) and Pauline Durand Vialle (CEO, FERA), will address the ethical implications of AI in audiovisual creation. Key topics include the role of policymakers in defining AI boundaries, regulatory measures such as the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, and strategies to mitigate cultural and linguistic biases in AI-powered content.

The second panel will explore AI-driven innovation in the sector, with contributions from Emma Rafowicz (Vice-Chair, Committee on Culture and Education), Diana Riba i Giner (Vice-Chair, Committee on Culture and Education), Volodymyr Ovsiienk (Respeecher) and a representative from Europa Cinemas. Discussions will centre on AI’s impact on the creative value chain, copyright and authorship concerns, and AI’s potential for enhancing accessibility through automated subtitling and dubbing.

Beyond the panels, the event will feature keynote interventions, video presentations on AI in European cinema, and a networking reception. Policymakers and industry stakeholders will have the opportunity to exchange insights on ensuring that AI supports - not supplants - human creativity and cultural heritage.

With AI shaping the future of audiovisual storytelling, this discussion aims to set the foundation for policies and practices that balance technological advancement with ethical and democratic imperatives.