Erwin Wagenhofer is an Austrian documentary filmmaker, known for his exploration of economic and social issues around the world. Born in Vienna in 1961, Wagenhofer studied economics and philosophy and worked as an economist for the Austrian Institute of Economic Research before turning his attention to film.
In the 1990s, Wagenhofer began making documentary films. His first major work was the 1997 feature documentary Let's Make Money, which exposed the workings of the global financial system and its human cost. The film was an international success, winning awards at the Venice, Berlin and Toronto film festivals, and was screened in more than 30 countries.
Wagenhofer followed up Let's Make Money with a series of documentaries that focus on the impact of economic and social policies on people around the world. The first of these was the 2005 film We Feed The World, which looked at the global food system and food insecurity. It was praised for its clear and accessible presentation of complex topics, and was nominated for a European Film Award.
Wagenhofer's other films include The Race for the Future (2011), which explores the challenges faced by the world's youth in the 21st century, and The End of Poverty? (2015), which examines the causes of global poverty and the prospects for its elimination.
In addition to his documentaries, Wagenhofer has written several books on economic and social issues, including The Austerity Game (2012) and The Globalization Trap (2017). He has also served as a visiting professor at universities in Europe and the United States.
Wagenhofer's work has been praised for its ability to expose the human cost of economic and social policies and to stimulate debate about the world's future. His films have won numerous awards, including the Italian Golden Globe for Best Documentary and the German Human Rights Award.
Erwin Wagenhofer is a passionate advocate for economic and social justice, and his films continue to inspire audiences around the world. His work is an important reminder of the need to address global inequality and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.
