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The Diagonale is pleased to announce that the contracts of Dominik Kamalzadeh and Claudia Slanar as artistic directors of the festival have been extended until 2029 and that, consequently, they will continue to lead the Austrian Film Festival up to and including the Diagonale ’29. Source: press release.
The adventure continues
The Diagonale is pleased to announce that the contracts of Dominik Kamalzadeh and Claudia Slanar as artistic directors of the festival have been extended until 2029 and that, consequently, they will continue to lead the Austrian Film Festival up to and including the Diagonale ’29.
“The general meeting of the Forum österreichischer Film association has extended the contract with the Diagonale’s artistic directors, Dominik Kamalzadeh and Claudia Slanar, by a further two years; the contract was due to expire in 2027. Kamalzadeh and Slanar have held the position of artistic directors of the Festival of Austrian Film since 2023 and will be responsible for a total of six editions up to 2029. The stability and uniqueness of the Diagonale, the growing interest of the audience, its establishment as a dynamic platform for the Austrian film industry and, last but not least, the positive reception from the Austrian and international press were the reasons behind the members’ general meeting’s decision to extend the contract. We look forward to the upcoming editions of the festival and the further development of the Diagonale as an annual showcase for national film production!” — Co-chairs Johannes Rosenberger and Paul Schwind on behalf of the general meeting of members
“At a time when national culture and Austrian cinema are facing particular challenges, this vote of confidence gives us great cause for celebration. We see this renewal as a step forward and as a mandate to further strengthen the Diagonale as a place of connection – between the audience and the industry, between Austria and the world, and between the Graz festival and the regions. Thank you to the members’ assembly for its decision, to our team for their day-to-day work, and to all the supporters who make this festival possible.” — Dominik Kamalzadeh and Claudia Slanar, artistic directors of the festival
Paul Schwind was also unanimously elected as the new co-chair of the Forum österreichischer Film Association; he thus succeeds his predecessor, Dagmar Streicher, who has stepped down from the association, and extends his heartfelt thanks to her for her valuable and dedicated work. Together with co-chair Johannes Rosenberger and the festival’s management, Schwind intends to work towards “the further development of the festival as a key hub for the Austrian film industry, even in the face of limited budgets and austerity measures”.
The preparations for the 30th edition of the Diagonale in Graz, which will take place from April 7 to 12, 2027, are already under way, and the first details of the programme will be announced this autumn at the traditional Diagonale cocktail party during the Viennale.
We are also pleased to inform you that entries for the film competition at the upcoming Diagonale ’27 are now open from September 1st! Until November 30th, 2026, you may submit films of all genres, formats and running times made by Austrian directors or those resident in Austria, as well as films produced in Austria.
The works must not have been premiered or broadcast for the first time before January 1, 2025.
| Film competition awards |
As part of the Diagonale, Austria’s most prestigious film awards are presented each year, including the Grand Prix for Best Austrian Feature Film and Best Austrian Documentary, as well as awards for innovative cinema, short fiction films, short documentary, creative editing, cinematography, sound design, soundtrack, production design and costume design, the Audience Award, the Young Jury Award and acting awards.
| Franz Grabner Award 2027 |
Film and television documentaries may still be submitted for the 2027 Franz Grabner Award until November 30, 2026. The Franz Grabner Committee, comprising representatives from the ORF, the organisers of the Franz Grabner Award and the Diagonale, appoints a jury of experts each year to award the prize.
In addition, the festival traditionally presents the Carl Mayer and Thomas Pluch screenwriting awards and, since last year, the Mabacher Award.