Kerstin Neuwirth

Kerstin Neuwirth is an Austrian artistic and scientific assistant at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM), specializing in feature film production. Her work bridges creative filmmaking and academic research, with a focus on experimental narratives and digital transformation in media arts. She currently serves as a casting director and production leader for seminars at KHM, while also managing the KFFK Short Film Festival Cologne since 2024.

• Education: MA in Art History (University of Vienna), MFA in Film (Academy of Media Arts Cologne)

Her research and practice center on experimental film, queer studies, and transversal aesthetics, informed by her participation in prestigious labs like Torino Feature Lab. Her short films, such as ANFANG JUNI and DIE BERGFRAU, have premiered at major festivals including Oberhausen and Berlinale. She emphasizes sustainable production practices, evidenced by her Green Filming Award.

As a freelance filmmaker, she has cast films like Oray (Berlinale 2019) and Hysteria (Berlinale 2024). Her academic collaboration with KHM’s exMedia Lab and Interface Lab highlights interdisciplinary approaches to multispecies storytelling and public art. She contributes to television formats and film theory education.

Scientific Awards & Recognition

• NRW Förderpreis (2012)
• Kyiv Short Film Festival Best Film Award (2015)
• Green Filming Award (2022)

Kerstin’s career merges artistic innovation with academic engagement, reflecting her commitment to advancing film production pedagogy and global storytelling frameworks.