Wieland Speck is a German film director, festival programmer, and curator. He is best known for his work in the queer cinema movement and for his curation of the Panorama section at the Berlin International Film Festival from 1998-2019.
Speck was born in Berlin in 1959. He studied at the College for Film and Television in Potsdam-Babelsberg from 1979-1984, and began his career as a film critic and filmmaker shortly thereafter. In the early 1990s, his career flourished as he became an important figure in the emerging queer cinema movement. His first feature film, "Das Gefuehl der Geborgenheit" (The Feeling of Safety) premiered at the Berlinale in 1992.
Speck is perhaps best known for his curation of the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival from 1998-2019. During his tenure at the festival, Speck was credited with introducing a more inclusive approach to programming, showcasing works from emerging filmmakers and creating a platform for queer cinema.
In addition to his work as a festival programmer, Speck has directed numerous feature films and documentaries. His films often tackle topics such as gender identity and sexuality, and explore the complexities of human relationships. His best-known works include "Absolute Giganten" (1999), "Schlafes Bruder" (2003), and "Vaterland" (2005). Speck has also served as a jury member at several film festivals, including the Berlinale and the Cottbus Film Festival.
Speck is a highly respected figure in the film industry, and has been recognized for his contributions to queer cinema. In 2019, he was awarded the Berlinale Camera at the Berlin International Film Festival in recognition of his long-standing commitment to the festival.
Throughout his career, Speck has been a vocal advocate for diversity in the film industry. He has stated that he hopes to see greater representation of queer perspectives in cinema, and to create a more inclusive space for filmmakers and audiences alike.
