Wolfgang Thaler is an Austrian filmmaker, director, screenwriter and producer. He is best known for his award-winning feature films and documentaries, which have been highly acclaimed both in his homeland and abroad.
Born in Vienna in 1972, Thaler developed an interest in film early on, attending the Vienna Film Academy and studying under renowned directors such as Michael Haneke and Ulrich Seidl. At the academy, he developed his craft, honing his skills in editing, cinematography, and sound design.
After graduating from the academy, Thaler began working in the industry, first as an assistant director and then as a director and screenwriter. His first feature film, “The Unconditional” (2006), was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards, including the Austrian Film Prize and the Bavarian Film Prize.
He followed up this success with a string of award-winning films, including “The Silence of Lorna” (2008), “Sleep Tight” (2009), and “The Wall” (2011). His films have explored a variety of themes, from religion and war to love and loss.
In addition to his feature films, Thaler has also worked as a director and producer on numerous documentaries. His most notable works include “The Forgotten” (2013), a documentary about the Holocaust, and “Hope” (2014), a film about the refugee crisis in Europe.
In 2018, Thaler directed the critically acclaimed “The Burden”, a feature-length documentary about the lives of Syrian refugees in Germany. The film was widely praised for its honest portrayal of the refugee experience.
Thaler’s work has been recognized internationally, with screenings at festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival.
Throughout his career, Thaler has remained committed to telling stories that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. His work has been praised for its ability to capture the complexities of human experience in a powerful and moving way.
