2024 Cinema and TV Project Funding: A Peek into the Future of Austro-Cinematic Delights
Ladies and gentlemen, gather around for the latest scoop on cinematic prowess that’s just hit the Austrian scene—but don’t get too comfy, we’re not staying long in boring-ville! The Vienna Film Fund has recently handed out a whopping 1.9 million euros to support six film productions and two project developments! I mean, with figures like that, you’d expect they’d be handing out golden statues along with the cheques!
The Generous Jury and Some Numbers
A jury made up of Christine Dollhofer, Elisabeth Gabriel, Peter Jäger, Katrin Renz, and Manfred Schmidt (a name that sounds like a law firm, but with more creativity) gathered for their fourth meeting. Out of 17 projects fighting for their wallets with a combined application amount of 3.4 million euros, they decided to spread their love across six productions and two project developments. Who says you can’t buy happiness?
And the domestic TV scene didn’t sit quietly either. For the third TV application deadline, ten projects vied for attention with a total application sum of 382,000 euros. In a thrilling conclusion, five lucky winners emerged with commitments from the Vienna Film Fund totaling 248,000 euros. It’s like the Oscars, but with slightly less glam and a bit more optimism!
What’s Getting Funded? Here’s the Cinematic Line-up!
Film Productions
First up, QUO VADIS, AIDA? – THE MISSING PART by Jasmila Žbanić. Following the harrowing events of Srebrenica, this film promises to tug at your heartstrings while sending you on an emotional rollercoaster that’s bound to leave any viewer gasping for air. Six months after genocide, the fight for truth remains alive, making this co-production a hot ticket item.
Coming in hot right after is NEO NUGGETS. We’ve got brothers Flo and Eddi back at it, diving into Austria’s murky history and facing off against neo-Nazis. It’s like a historical scavenger hunt meets a family reunion—only with more dramatic reveals and existential questions about what on Earth they’re all fighting for.
Then we have FORWARD, BACKWARD, SIDEWARD, STOP by Lisa Weber. Picture this: a manicurist who seemingly has it all but is suddenly struck by the age-old question—does she really have it all? Spoiler alert: the answer will resonate more than a bad nail job.
CALM follows Leila, a Syrian refugee. Who doesn’t appreciate a journey of survival and identity? This documentary is set to evoke empathy, and if you don’t tear up, check your pulse!
WHO CARES dives into the world of caregiving through the eyes of feminist icon Silvia Federici. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey that highlights the unsung heroes of society—caregivers. You’ll be left questioning why we don’t applaud them more than those who merely act for a living.
Finally, the title that’ll draw you in just by saying it—TIME OFF! Dariusz Kowalski’s documentary takes on the Vienna Danube Island, revealing tales that contrast the leisurely life with the harsh realities hiding beneath. It’s less of a vacation and more of a revelation!
Project Developments
We can also keep our eyes peeled for two intriguing project developments. First, STERNE, featuring a US reporter diving into the chaos of Iraq—a timely topic but could it get more intense? Grab your popcorn!
And then we have IM MOORLAND, taking us back to the 1980s. A family fleeing Poland for the sunny land of Austria discovers that a moor—yes, a swampy one—holds dark secrets. If this doesn’t scream family drama, I don’t know what does!
The TV Sidekicks
It wouldn’t be a proper showcase without mentioning MARIANNE, MY MOTHER AND I, a dramedy that promises love, nostalgia, and probably way too many awkward family dinners. It’s like they took your typical Austrian family and added a dollop of chaos—and possibly some melodrama.
Let’s not forget about THE NETWORK OF ANTONIO SALIERI and ART CRIME KLIMT. Salieri gets the investigation he deserves while painting the backdrop of his rivalry with Mozart—a story that lingers on the tip of every classical lover’s tongue. Meanwhile, Klimt and his lost portrait offer viewers a historical treasure hunt that could rival any Indiana Jones flick—minus the whip!
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Austria is all set to stir the pot of cinematic storytelling in the most delightful way possible. From emotional journeys to a historical view of contemporary issues, there’s a little something for everyone—and probably a few tear-jerkers along the way. If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to grab some popcorn and settle in for a creative storm from our friends up north!
During its fourth gathering in 2024, a distinguished jury composed of Christine Dollhofer, Elisabeth Gabriel, Peter Jäger, Katrin Renz, and Manfred Schmidt conferred awards to six cinematic productions and two project developments. A substantial funding total of 1.9 million euros was allocated among the recipients. Out of the 17 submitted projects, the total funding sought amounted to 3.4 million euros.
In a subsequent call for applications, ten television projects were proposed, collectively requesting 382,000 euros in funding. Ultimately, five projects were granted commitments from the Vienna Film Fund, amounting to 248,000 euros.
Six productions will receive funding totaling 1,825,400 euros.
The gripping narrative of QUO VADIS, AIDA? – THE MISSING PART, penned and helmed by Jasmila Žbanić, continues to unravel the harrowing tale initiated in her acclaimed 2020 film “Quo Vadis, Aida?”. Set six months after the genocide in Srebrenica, it explores the plight of women grappling with the unknown fate of their loved ones. When Aida receives the hopeful news that her husband and sons might still be alive, she embarks on a relentless quest for the truth that many would prefer remain hidden. This significant European co-production spans across Bosnia-Herzegovina, Germany, France, Austria, Poland, and Great Britain, brought to life by Nikolaus Geyrhalter Filmproduktion.
Following the success of their previous cinematic venture “Pulled Pork,” director Andreas Schmied returns to the screen with NEO NUGGETS, taking the beloved characters Flo and Eddi on another wild adventure. This time, the brothers, alongside their long-lost sister, find themselves unearthing a mystery steeped in Austrian history, leading them into direct confrontation with a neo-Nazi group. The film features the talents of Paul Pizzera and Otto Jaus in the lead roles, with a screenplay co-written by Schmied and Wolfgang Brandstetter, who produces under the banner of Samsara Film.
This meeting also marked the intriguing feature film debut FORWARD, BACKWARD, SIDEWARD, STOP from Lisa Weber, a talented author and director associated with the famed Ulrich Seidl film production. The storyline revolves around Nadine, a manicurist, whose seemingly perfect life—including a cozy apartment, a supportive husband, and a cherished dog—leads her to a growing existential crisis: What more could life possibly offer her?
CALM tells the poignant story of Leila, a refugee from Syria who is striving to carve out a new existence in Vienna. In her feature film debut, documentary filmmaker Sara Fattahi captures Leila’s journey of survival, identity, and the search for belonging, where cherished memories are her only remaining possessions. This stirring Austrian-French co-production is being executed by both FreibeuterFilm from Vienna and Les Films de l’Altaï based in Paris.
In her insightful documentary WHO CARES, director Ina Ivanceanu embarks on a captivating global journey centered on the theme of care. Accompanying her on this exploration is feminist icon Silvia Federici, a caregiver herself, who played a vital role in initiating the transformative “Wages for Housework” movement during the 1970s. This collaborative production spans across Austria, Luxembourg, Germany, and Canada and is realized in Austria by Amour Fou Vienna.
In a fascinating documentary produced by Mischief Films titled TIME OFF, director Dariusz Kowalski takes viewers on a journey to the Vienna Danube Island, showcasing its natural beauty. Through the perspectives of carefully selected protagonists, he presents the 21-kilometer-long island as a rich landscape of diverse longings rooted in the universal quests for freedom, leisure, and communion with nature.
Two project developments will receive funding totaling 81,000 euros.
Building on the success of her previous projects “Sun” and “Moon,” filmmaker Kurdwin Ayub is collaborating with Ulrich Seidl Filmproduktion on a new ambitious project titled STERNE. This gripping narrative focuses on a young US reporter caught in the crossfire during Iraq’s invasion by the terrorist organization IS.
Capra Film is working on developing the genre feature IM MOORLAND, which marks the debut of author and director Michael Winiecki. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the film grapples with the complexities faced by a young family that fled Poland for Austria, confronting challenges beyond mere everyday racism and exploitation. A dark, long-buried secret lingers in the surrounding moorlands, demanding resolution amidst the family’s struggles.
Four documentary and one fictional TV projects will receive funding totaling 248,000 euros.
In the heartwarming dramedy MARIANNE, MY MOTHER AND I, we follow Young Marie as she relocates from Tyrol to Vienna for her studies. In her new home, she discovers a passion for Austropop and falls for Paul, a young musician and bar owner. As the narrative unfolds, Marie’s mother’s past as an aspiring Austropop artist resurfaces, revealing layers of ambition and nostalgia. Produced by e&a Film under the direction of Hans Hofer, the project is written by Uli Brée.
The documentaries awarded funding also include notable explorations of classical music and painting against historical backdrops. THE NETWORK OF ANTONIO SALIERI traces the footprints of the titular Italian-Austrian composer, detailing his influential legacy over a remarkable 35-year tenure as court conductor and addressing the scandalous allegations surrounding Mozart’s untimely demise. Similarly, ART CRIME KLIMT relays the thrilling saga of Gustav Klimt’s portrait of African prince William Nortey Nii Dowuona, which resurfaces in a Viennese gallery after being lost for nearly a century, prompting a riveting investigation into its art historical journey.
Ng on the family drama IM MOORLAND, set in the 1980s. The film tells the story of a family fleeing Poland to seek a new life in Austria, only to discover that a deceptively idyllic landscape—a moor—harbors dark secrets from the past. This intriguing tale promises to intertwine the perspectives of the family with the history that surrounds them, highlighting the burdens of their heritage.
The TV Sidekicks
To round off this remarkable lineup, we can’t overlook MARIANNE, MY MOTHER AND I, a delightful dramedy that captures the complexities of family dynamics, nostalgia, and the humor found within chaos. This series promises to tug at the heartstrings while keeping viewers laughing through relatable scenarios akin to everyday family gatherings.
In addition, THE NETWORK OF ANTONIO SALIERI and ART CRIME KLIMT delve into riveting historical narratives. The former explores the life of Salieri and his contentious relationship with Mozart, invigorating centuries-old rivalries with modern-day intrigue. The latter draws viewers into the world of art restoration and the mysteries surrounding Klimt’s lost works, transforming historical tales into thrilling cinematic experiences.
Final Thoughts
Austria’s cinematic landscape is flourishing with diverse narratives that range from gut-wrenching documentaries to light-hearted dramedies, ensuring there’s something for every viewer. As these productions delve into profound subjects, exploring themes of identity, history, and human resilience, audiences can expect not only entertainment but also ample food for thought. Grab your popcorn and prepare for an engaging cinematic journey that lays bare the complexities of the human experience, celebrating the art of storytelling at its finest!
In total, the Vienna Film Fund provided funding amounting to 1.9 million euros, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative and impactful storytelling in film and television. With its diverse projects, Austria continues to be a hub for compelling narratives that resonate on both personal and universal levels.
