Through his ongoing exploration of language, of the act of watching, and of the relationship between cinema and the viewer, Peter Tscherkassky is one of the undisputed masters of avant-garde cinema, not only in Austria but also internationally. Winner of the Orizzonti Award for the Best Short Film at the 2010 Venice Film Festival.
The silent film star Magda Sonja, thanks to her versatility, her talent and her extraordinary elegance, has undoubtedly played a key part in writing an important chapter in Austrian film history.
Throughout her life, Ida Jenbach made a significant contribution to Austrian and German cinema, writing screenplays for dramas, light-hearted comedies and even films that, for various reasons, have become true milestones in Austria (and beyond).
Thanks to her great charm, but also to her determination and entrepreneurial skills, Carmen Cartellieri is still remembered today as one of the most important figures in the early years of Austrian cinema.
Several times a welcome guest at the Cannes Film Festival, Titus Leber is known worldwide for having theorised and experimented with the so-called ‘multi-layering method’, whereby sounds, images and music in a film can constantly overlap, merge and blend, in order to create a multi-layered work.
Actor, playwright and director Hans Jaray has left an invaluable legacy in the Austrian (and global) cultural scene. Theatre made him great. Cinema made him immortal.
On the occasion of the Diagonale 2026, the feature film Peter, starring an extraordinary Franziska Gaal, was screened once again for the audience. But who, exactly, was our Franziska Gaal?
Editor, director and poet Emily Artmann passed away on January 21. With a background in ethnology, Artmann made her mark in numerous documentaries from the mid-1990s onwards. The Austrian cultural scene has lost a great voice.
Versatile actor, capable of taking on any role, Erich Auer (who also worked as an acting teacher) immediately became a true legend in his homeland after World War II.
Actress Helli Servi is still remembered fondly and warmly by many viewers today. Her talent for portraying cheerful, lively characters contributed to writing an important chapter in Austrian film history.