SEARCH
    DE – EN

    Year in Review 2023

    Many thanks to all our international partners, and congrats to all filmmakers and producers for their wonderful contributions to a continuously strong presence of Austrian filmmaking worldwide
     
    It was our pleasure at AUSTRIAN FILMS to accompany no less than 22 Austrian feature-length films which celebrated their world or international premieres, thirteen of them at the most prestigious and absolutely essential festivals for global promotion.

    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «Basically I played an orchestra on my own.»

    Seldom does a film score have such a distinctive character as that of Jessica Hausner's CLUB ZERO. Sometimes it adopts a contrasting position to the European setting of the film, while at others it is self-confidently in the foreground of the action. It is intriguing, touching and surprising. A conversation with Markus Binder, winner of the 2023 European Film Award in the European Original Score category for the film music for CLUB ZERO.

    Farewell, Wolfgang Glück!

    Wolfgang Glück
    Sadly, we have to share the news of the passing of Wolfgang Glück (1929 – 2023). He was a prolific film-, TV- and stage director, internationally acclaimed for his Oscar-nominated 38 – And that was Vienna (1986), director of the Vienna Film Academy (1997 to 2001) and as a honorary board member, a longstanding friend and supporter of AUSTRIAN FILMS.
    Rest in peace, Wolfgang!

    Award Winners 2023

    Awards + Nominations
    starting in January 2023
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «Film is bodies in space.»

    Barbara Albert
    Nordrand, shown in competition for the Golden Lion at the 1999 Venice Film Festival, is considered a milestone. It marked the beginning of growing international appreciation of Austrian filmmaking, but above all it launched Barbara Albert's career as a director, screenwriter, producer and teacher. After ten years at the Film University of Babelsberg, where she was most recently Vice President for Academic Affairs, and 32 years after she herself began her studies in directing and screenwriting at the Vienna Film Academy, she returns there to succeed Michael Haneke as Professor of Directing.
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «Bilder von Pjöngjang, die niemand auf der Welt je gesehen hat.»

    Nach ihrem Portrait des nordkoreanischen Frauenfußball-Dreamteams der frühen 2000-er Jahre (Hana, dul, sed, … 2009) verspürten die Filmemacherin Brigitte Weich und ihre Bildgestalterin Judith Benedikt den Wunsch zu erfahren, wie das Leben ihrer außergewöhnlichen Protagonistinnen nach dem Ende der aktiven Sportkarriere weiterging. In einer flüchtigen Überwindung der Isolation gelingt …NED, TASSOT, YOSSOT … über den Schutzwall der Diktatur hinweg ein unermüdlicher, vielschichtiger Versuch nach Verbundenheit.

    …NED, TASSOT, YOSSOT...
    at the 36th IDFA doc festival

    Brigitte Weich’s doc sequel …NED, TASSOT, YOSSOT … on the North Korean women’s soccer dream team of the early 2000s is hosted by IDFA, the world's largest documentary film festival (Nov 8 to 19). …NED, TASSOT, YOSSOT … will celebrate its international premiere at the Luminous section.

    Also playing in Amsterdam: THE KLEZMER PROJECT by Leandro Koch und Paloma Schachmann, our Berlinale 23 Encounters entry, at Best of Fests.
    INTERVIEW

    «Politik, die versucht, bestehende Sorgen zu Ängsten zu machen.»

    Kurt Langbein
    Projekt Ballhausplatz ist der Titel eines Strategiepapiers, das Mitte der 2010er-Jahre im Umfeld um Sebastian Kurz entstand und minutiös dessen geplante Machtübernahme in Partei und Regierung darlegt. Der Filmmacher Kurt Langbein analysiert in PROJEKT BALLHAUSPLATZ den Höhenflug des österreichischen Ex-Kanzlers und die dabei so wirksamen politischen Mechanismen in Zeiten der vielfachen Verunsicherung.
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

     It's just a brief, miniscule happiness

    Peter Keglevic
    As a child in the early 1930s, Josef had already discovered his vocation – to be a photographer – and met the love of his life – Ragusa. But the war carries him away and turns him and his camera into witnesses of unimaginable violence. 30 years later, sensations of guilt and longing bring him back to his village, where almost everything has remained the same. Peter Keglevics has chosen a historical context for his film ALL WILL BE REVEALED in order to explore persistently recurring political mechanisms and reflect on a decidedly up-to-date approach to the truth.
     

    VERA is the Austrian entry for Best International Feature Film

    Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel’s VERA, starring Vera Gemma, is the Austrian entry to the 2024 Oscar race for Best International Feature Film. Inspired by the life of actress Vera Gemma, the film interweaves the portrait of a glamourous woman with the merciless social realities of a big city.
    VERA, winner of the Best Film and Best Actress award at the Venice Orizzonti competition, has so far attended over 50 festivals and garnered more than ten prestigious international and national awards.

    THE STANDSTILL by Nikolaus Geyrhalter at DOK Leipzig

    When Covid reduced freedom of movement for all of us to a minimum, Nikolaus Geyrhalter captured the state of emergency in Vienna with his camera confronting us with the fragility of our supposed security.

    THE STANDSTILL celebrates world premiere as a Documentary Competition contender at DOK Leipzig. Also showing at Leipzig: VISTA MARE by Julia Gutweniger & Florian Kofler in the Audience Competition.
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «I felt within myself the task of the chronicler.»

    Nikolaus Geyrhalter
    Nikolaus Geyrhalter’s perspective is the long shot. If something attracts his interest, he takes a cross-border, often world-embracing look at burning issues of global coexistence. When Covid reduced freedom of movement for all of us to a minimum, he captured the state of emergency in Vienna with his camera, and in THE STANDSTILL he confronts us with the fragility of our supposed security.

    INTERVIEW

    «So riesig, wie eine eigene Welt.»

    Hans Steinbichler
    Der Roman bringt es in seiner Schlichtheit auf den Punkt: Egger hatte seine Kindheit, einen Krieg und eine Lawine überlebt. Robert Seethaler hat auf nur 150 Seiten die acht Lebensjahrzehnte eines Mannes erzählt, der in sich verankert bleibt, auch wenn sein Leben ihn ständig mit dem Stärkeren und Mächtigeren konfrontiert. Der Filmemacher Hans Steinbichler hat sich in seiner Verfilmung von EIN GANZES LEBEN der Herausforderung gestellt, die Wucht und Einfachheit der literarischen Vorlage in filmische Bilder zu setzen.

    TORONTO 2023 with world premiere of Elisabeth Scharang’s WOODLAND


    The 48th TIFF (September 7 to 17) will host the world premiere of Elisabeth Scharang’s new Film WOODLAND starring Brigitte Hobmeier as Marian who, driven by an inevitable impulse, leaves her city life and returns to her childhood place.
     
    WOODLAND, produced by WEGA Film Vienna, is part of the prestigious Centrepiece line-up (previously known as the Contemporary World Cinema program)


    INTERVIEW

    «Er transportiert das Melancholische, das Zynische, aber auch Hoffnungsvolle.»

    Adrian Goiginger
    Rickerl hat eine alte Gitarre und großes Talent. Leider auch einen Vater, der es versteht, seinen fragilen Glauben an sich selbst immer wieder zu demontieren. Adrian Goiginger ließ sich für RICKERL – MUSIK IS HÖCHSTENS A HOBBY von seiner Liebe zum Austropop leiten und von den Songs und in manchem auch der Lebensgeschichte seines Hauptdarstellers Voodoo Jürgens inspirieren, um den zutiefst wienerischen Sound einer Geschichte von Vätern und Söhnen zu treffen.
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «What happens if my system collapses?»

    Elisabeth Scharang
    Marian leaves the city. Without any thought, without any plans. An irresistible impulse propels her to the countryside. The terrorist attack in Vienna has made everyday life in the city unbearable for her. Twenty years earlier, a similar force had impelled her to leave the village where she grew up, and now this is where she returns. In WOODLAND, Elisabeth Scharang creates a force field of experiences where there is no movement for generations, yet everything can change in a second; her protagonist is brought to a point of absolute zero – which is essential if she is to get her bearings afresh on the past and the future.

    Austrian Focus at the 29th SARAJEVO Film Festival


    It’s a festival summer with Austrian filmmaking in focus: After Jerusalem in July, it’s now the 29th Sarajevo FF (August 11 to 18) to shine a light on films made in Austria:

    Sudabeh Mortezai’s new film EUROPA will celebrate its world premiere in the Heart of Sarajevo competition. Jessica Hausner will be the tribute guest 2023 presenting all her six feature films. The Industry Days will host an Austrian delegation and one project selected at the CineLink co-production platform.
     
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «The big word: sustainability... »

    Sudabeh Mortezai
    The European flag flies proudly, promising respected rights and respectable prosperity. International corporations are currently colouring their image green and feminist. In EUROPA, Sudabeh Mortezai focusses on the vast shadowy areas behind all this. The two sides of Europe clash in an Albanian valley, revealing the price to be paid for success and the direction chosen for the future.

    INTERVIEW

    «We really try to make every premiere a special event.»

    When the first Sarajevo Film Festival took place in October 1995, the near end of the war was not yet in sight. Elma Tataragić has been part of the festival committee since the very beginning. She shared with us her memories of the festival's start in Sarajevo under siege and her thoughts on Austrian filmmaking, to which 29th SFF has dedicated a focus program.

    Locarno 23: VISTA MARE at Semaine de la Critique


    Julia Gutweniger and Florian Kofler’s new film VISTA MARE – perspicacious observations on those who work for those who crowd the Italian beaches for a short summer break –  will celebrate its world premiere at the Locarno Semaine de la Critique  (4-11 August)

    Two Austrian projects – CALM by Sara Fattahi, MILA / MARIJA by Andrina Mračnikar – are selected by Alliance 4 Development.
    INTERVIEW

    «Diese Menschen verkörpern die Narben der Geschichte.»

    Daniel Chanoch (geb. 1932) wurde mit einem Schlag aus seiner behüteten Kindheit gerissen. Er erlebt als Achtjähriger, wie binnen kürzester Zeit der Zusammenhalt in einer Stadt zerbricht und überlebt als einer der 131 Buben von Kaunas sechs Konzentrationslager, darunter Auschwitz. Christian Krönes und Florian Weigensamer haben mit A BOY’S LIFE ihre Gesprächsserie mit Zeitzeugen des Holocaust fortgesetzt.
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «What remains is the sea.»

    Julia Gutweniger, Florian Kofler
    A view of the sea represents a longing – often to recuperate from a whole year of hard work and everyday stress. To provide some people with this brief break on the beach in the sun, others have to work hard all summer. In VISTA MARE, Julia Gutweniger and Florian Kofler have created an essay on visible relaxation and invisible activity, focusing on the landscape of Adriatic tourism, which is operated at full throttle for a few summer weeks every year without much regard for resources.

    MoMA on VERA: «One of the most fascinating features …»

    The MoMA is hosting the North American premiere of Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel’s VERA
    (August 9 to 15) presenting the film as “One of the most fascinating and nearly uncategorizable features to come out of the 2022 Venice Film Festival”
    Read more of the New York reviews

    Austrian Focus at the 40th JERUSALEM Film Festival

    JFF40 – the anniversary edition of this year’s JFF sets a focus on Austrian filmmakers and industry. 
    On the festival screens: CLUB ZERO, SPARTA and VERA.
    In the jury: Barbara Albert and Sebastian Meise.
    And meeting events for Austrian industry delegate at the Jerusalem Industry Days.
     
    We talked to Elad Samorzik, the Artistic Director of the JFF.
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «There’s room for collaboration.»

    Elad Samorzik is the artistic director of the Jerusalem Film Festival. When he was born in May 1984, the  Jerusalem Film Festival was taking place for the first time. The upcoming 40th festival will be his tenth as artistic director. We talked to him about the program and the decision to focus on Austria at the 2023 anniversary edition JFF40.
    INTERVIEW

    «Immer auf Augenhöhe der Kinder»

    Johannes Schmid
    Die Sommerferien könnten für Franz kompliziert werden. Gabi und Eberhard, seine besten Freunde, sind übers Kreuz und er steht dazwischen. Irgendwann zieht Gabis detektivischer Enthusiasmus dennoch alle drei in ein urbanes Abenteuer, das Drehbuchautorin Sarah Wassermaier und Regisseur Johannes Schmid im Spirit der Erfinderin, Christine Nöstlinger, in die Jetztzeit geholt haben.

    Jessica Hausner's
    CLUB ZERO celebrates
    WP in Cannes


    Supremely audacious and disturbing
    Variety
     
    A real head-turner of a film
    Screen International
     
    a film with a cutting humor and a cruelty without name
    Le Monde
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «Architecture is our structure.»

    Jessica Hausner
    In her class Miss Novak warns her students against eating without awareness. Every morsel on a fork should be examined closely, every bite considered carefully. At some point, her students reach the stage where they can regard intake of food as a dispensable ballast on their journey to a better world. In CLUB ZERO, Jessica Hausner observes how power creeps up silently, and how faith quietly eats away at reason.
     
    INTERVIEW

    «Alles ist durchdacht.»

    2022 gehörte er zum Club der aufstrebenden Produzent:innen, die European Film Promotion einmal jährlich unter dem Label Producers on the Move miteinander vernetzt, 2023 war er als Teil des Teams von Jessica Hausners CLUB ZERO erneut in Cannes; diesmal, um den Film ins Rennen um die Goldene Palme zu begleiten. Johannes Schubert hat für coop99 filmproduktion mit CLUB ZERO seinen ersten langen Spielfilm als Produzent mitverantwortet und hat auch mit seiner eigenen Produktionsfirma Schubert ambitionierte Pläne.
    INTERVIEW

    «Wir begeistern uns nicht für ein Drehbuch allein.»

    Die Projekte der Wiener Panama Film sind fiktional, dokumentarisch oder hybrid; die künstlerischen Handschriften individuell. Der Katalog der 2018 von David Bohun und Lixi Frank gegründeten Produktionsfirma ist (nicht zuletzt coronabedingt) klein, aber fein: Die ersten drei Filme eroberten internationale Startplätze in Berlin oder Nyon, für Nachschub ist gesorgt. 2023 verspricht zwischen Dreharbeiten in Wien, Drehvorbereitungen u.a. in Belarus und Verwertungsstrategien für eine fertiggestellte Koproduktioen ein dynamisches Jahr zu werden. David Bohun ist einer von 20 jungen europäischen PRODUCERS ON THE MOVE, die European Film Promotion wie jedes Jahr anlässlich des Festivals von Cannes zum grenzüberschreitenden Austausch einlädt.
    INTERVIEW

    «Es geht mir nicht darum, Privatheit per se zu erzählen.»

    Marko Doringer
    In seinen letzten drei Arbeiten hat Marko Doringer immer wieder Lebensentscheidungen – die eigenen oder die seiner Altersgenossen ­– verhandelt. Sein Blick richtete sich auf eine mögliche Zukunft und die Erwartungen an sich selbst. DEIN LEBEN – MEIN LEBEN schaut nun zurück auf die Lebensgeschichten der Eltern und Großeltern und sucht nach den Lasten aus der Vergangenheit, die  – oft in Schweigen gehüllt – an die nächsten Generationen weitergegeben werden.
    INTERVIEW

    «Die zentrale Kraft war der Humor.»

    Acht Mal trug die das Programm die Handschrift von Sebastian Höglinger und Peter Schernhuber, wenn in Graz das Fest der Vielfalt des österreichischen Films ausgerufen wurde. Nach der Diagonale 2023 geben die beiden Festivalleiter nun die Staffel weiter. Im Interview resümieren und reflektieren sie über die Besonderheit der österreichischen Filmlandschaft, die widersprüchlichen Erwartungen an ein Festival von nationalem Anspruch und die Lust, dieses Ding der Unmöglichkeit zu realisieren.

    Jessica Hausner’s CLUB ZERO in Palme d’or Competition

    Jessica Hausner’s 6th fiction feature is a Palme d’or competition entry at the 76th Cannes festival (May 16 to 27). CLUB ZERO, starring Mia Wasikowska and Sidse Babett Knudsen, produced by Vienna-based coop99 filmproduktion, is celebrating its world premiere on Monday, May 22.

    This is Jessica Hausner's  6th artistic appearance in Cannes after LITTLE JOE (2019, Best Actress Emily Beecham), AMOUR FOU (2014), HOTEL (2004), LOVELY RITA (2001) and her short INTER-VIEW (1999).
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «For the next hundred years we’d be better off just listening»

    Katharina Mückstein
    Feminism is a young movement, and in that sense it has been fairly effective. But despite all the achievements and the urgent needs it addresses, the term itself somehow remains unpopular. Filmmaker Katharina Mückstein, who has experienced academic feminism as a formative school of thought, feels there is insufficient scientific expertise in a public debate that has become highly emotional. Her documentary FEMINISM WTF provides impulses for consideration – across a spectrum of shimmering colours – intended to move this urgent debate towards greater objectivity.
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    «Embrace darkness»

    Achmed Abdel-Salam
    Silence is a tactic often employed within families. As was the case with Michaela, who was an adult when she instigated a radical break with the village where she grew up. Only the death of her father brings her and her eight-year-old daughter back to the old house from buried times. Achmed Abdel-Salam's exciting directorial debut SMOTHER explores dilapidated rooms and overgrowth gone rampant, prompting memories to flare up which unravel a painful secret.
    INTERVIEW

     «Der Stoff der Geschichten vom Franz ist aktueller denn je»

    GESCHICHTEN VOM FRANZ feierte seine internationale Premiere im letzten Frühling. Ein knappes Jahr später zählt die Christine Nöstlinger-Verfilmung nicht nur 95.000 Kinobesucher:innen in Österreich sowie Einladungen zu allen relevanten internationalen Festivals im Kinder-und Jugendgenre, es ist bereits das Sequel NEUE GESCHICHTEN VOM FRANZ startklar und auch eine animierte Version des Franz-Stoffes im Entstehen. Dass der legendäre Franz Fröstl auf der Leinwand lebt, geht auf Impuls und Input von Katharina Posch zurück. Sie ist Creative Producer in der NGF Geyrhalterfilm, wo sie nicht nur die beiden Kinderfilme realisiert hat, sondern auch an der Entwicklung neuer Serienformate arbeitet.

    FEMINISM WTF by Katharina Mückstein at CPH:DOX

    World premiere of Kathrina Mückstein’s new documentary selected in Special Premieres at the 20th CPH:DOX festival (March 15 to 26). This colorful view on the intersectional facets of feminism was produced by LaBanda Filmproduktion and NGF Nikolaus Geyrhalter Filmproduktion.
    Also screening at CPH:DOX: A LITTLE LOVE PACKAGE by Gastón Solnicki, VERA by Tizza Covi & Rainer Frimmel, ZOO LOCK DOWN by Andreas Horvath and MATTER OUT OF PLACE by Nikolaus Geyrhalter.

    THE KLEZMER PROJECT wins Berlinale Best First Feature Award

    Leandro Koch and Paloma Schachmann’s feature debut THE KLEZMER PROJECT, a Berlinale Encounters entry, wins the GWFF Best First Feature Award.
    … an unexpected journey weaving real life events and mysticism… stated the jury
     
    The documentary voyage from Argentina to Eastern Europa in quest of a music which is in a constant state of flux was produced by Austrian Nabis Filmgroup

    photo directors: Berlinale

    INTERVIEW

    «On the edge of belonging»

    Leandro Koch, Paloma Schachmann
    She is a musician who has undertaken detailed research into the origin of European Klezmer music; he's a cameraman, which provided him with a good reason to stay in touch with her. In their debut film THE KLEZMER PROJECT, Leandro Koch and Paloma Schachmann have staged themselves in the fictional setting of a possible love story in order to explore a music in a constant state of flux. It’s a documentary voyage from Argentina to rural areas of Eastern Europe – and in the process they tell a story of slow fading, of brutal disappearance and of survival and further life.

    Austrian Films @Berlinale 2023

    Encounters
    THE KLEZMER PROJECT | ADENTRO MÍO ESTOY BAILANDO
    by Leandro Koch & Paloma Schachmann
    World Premiere: Feb 23 | 16.30 | Akademie der Künste

    Panorama
    STAMS by Bernhard Braunstein
    World Premiere: Feb 19 | 13:00 | International

    See full list
    INTERVIEW
    DE – EN

    Rigid routines and the pressure to perform.

    Bernhard Braunstein
    Its name has just five letters, the Austrian dream factory in the mountains of Tyrol. Every year, youngsters who are crazy about winter sports apply to the Stams Schigymnasium | Ski Academy to make their talent and technique fit enough to compete with the best in the world. In STAMS Bernhard Braunstein observes young people between the ages of 14 and 18 who are highly motivated in their endeavours to be among the very best, though this involves dedicating themselves to a ruthless performance principle.

    Austrian Films at the
    73rd Berlinale

    Discover a great Austrian presence  at the 73rd Berlinale (February 16 to 26) including
    world premieres
    Encounters
    THE KLEZMER PROJECT by Leandro Koch, Paloma Schachmann
    WP: February 24, 16:30, Akademie der Künste
    Panorama
    STAMS by Bernhard Braunstein
    WP: February 19, 13:00, Kino International

    © photo premiere STAMS: Elsa Okazaki
    © photos premiere THE KLEZMER PROJECT: @filmsboutique
    DE – EN

    «We just always imagine we are smarter in the present than the people before us.»

    Edgar Honetschläger
    Even King Midas reached the limits of greed when it dawned on him that his desire to turn everything to gold by touching it also meant the end of food and affection. In LE FORMICHE DI MIDA the inescapable turning point we have reached in humanity’s dealings with the planet led Edgar Honetschläger on a journey into mythology and the history of ideas to create a multi-layered collage, prompting reflection on how and when things got out of hand between nature and humans.

    Bernhard Braunstein's STAMS selected by Berlinale Panorama

    The Berlinale has unveiled the first titles of its 73rd edition (February 16 to 26, 2023). BErnhard Braunstein's new documentary is among these first picks. STAMS, a portrait of Austria's renowned boarding school for future ski champions has been selected by the Berlinale Panorama. STAMS is a Panama Films production.
    INTERVIEW

    «Der einzige Antagonist ist das Schicksal.»

    Chris Raiber
    Alex ist am liebsten in den unterirdischen Gängen der Stadt. Caro hingegen zieht es eher in die Lüfte. Außerdem hat sich Alex schon als Bub geschworen, sich niemals zu verlieben. Es spricht also wenig dafür, dass sie einander je begegnen und doch lässt das Schicksal ihre Wege kreuzen. In seinem nostalgisch-romantischen Erstling STERNE UNTER DER STADT zieht Chris Raiber einen Zauber über die Wirklichkeit seiner Figuren und lässt es im Sommer Winter werden.
    INTERVIEW

    «Es fühlt sich wie eine Zeitreise an.»

    Bianca Gleissinger
    Der Wiener Wohnpark Alterlaa entstand in den siebziger Jahren. Architekt Harry Glücks Ambition war es, Wohnluxus wie Swimmingpool, Nahversorgung und Grünlage für alle leistbar zu machen und eine Vision von gemeinsamer Ressourcennutzung zu realisieren. Der Plan ging auf. Nun sind der Bau und viele seiner Bewohner:innen in die Jahre gekommen. Die Filmemacherin Bianca Gleissinger, selbst in Alterlaa aufgewachsen, begibt sich in 27 STOREYS an den Ort ihrer ersten Lebensjahre und stellt ihn einem Gegenwarts- und Generationentest.
     
    DE – EN

    2022 – A record-breaking year in review


    For the first time since 2019 there was a full festival calendar – with no cancellations, no postponements and no substitution strategies.

    Never before has Austrian filmmaking stood out with such diversity and excellence in all the key locations of the global market.

    CONTACT

    AUSTRIAN FILMS
    Stiftgasse 6
    1070 Vienna, Austria
    Google maps

    tel: +43 1 526 33 23
    office@austrianfilms.com

    IMPRINT

    PRIVACY POLICY

    Find us on



     
     

    Member of