20 Years School for Independent Film
November 20 and 21, 2025
The School for Independent Film is a globally unique place for exploring the art form of analog film. Founded in 2006 by photographer and filmmaker Friedl Kubelka, and under the direction of artist and filmmaker Philipp Fleischmann since 2014, the school has developed into an internationally recognized institution for experimental and independent film.
After two decades, it has become an essential driving force for emerging Austrian filmmakers. As an artist-run and self-managed space, the school continues the tradition of the Austrian film avant-garde. It offers an annual mentoring program focusing on Super 8, 16mm, and 35mm film – inspired by Dante's line: "Where what is willed must be." Rather than industrial standards, the focus is on the search for individual, free, and self-determined forms of expression.
"For the first time, the following film programs bring together former teachers and students from the past twenty years. They provide glimpses into the years-long, intergenerational discussions at the film school. Some elements deliberately build upon one another, others intersect by chance. Some encounters make sense, others meet in contradiction. The whole is intended to be – like attending the school itself – not only an event, but above all, a shared experience: exciting, motivating, demanding, open. A small tour through 20 years to discover together what film is – and what film can be." (Philipp Fleischmann, Artistic Director and Curation)
Philipp Fleischmann and several filmmakers will be our guests.
The School for Independent Film is a globally unique place for exploring the art form of analog film. Founded in 2006 by photographer and filmmaker Friedl Kubelka, and under the direction of artist and filmmaker Philipp Fleischmann since 2014, the school has developed into an internationally recognized institution for experimental and independent film.
After two decades, it has become an essential driving force for emerging Austrian filmmakers. As an artist-run and self-managed space, the school continues the tradition of the Austrian film avant-garde. It offers an annual mentoring program focusing on Super 8, 16mm, and 35mm film – inspired by Dante's line: "Where what is willed must be." Rather than industrial standards, the focus is on the search for individual, free, and self-determined forms of expression.
"For the first time, the following film programs bring together former teachers and students from the past twenty years. They provide glimpses into the years-long, intergenerational discussions at the film school. Some elements deliberately build upon one another, others intersect by chance. Some encounters make sense, others meet in contradiction. The whole is intended to be – like attending the school itself – not only an event, but above all, a shared experience: exciting, motivating, demanding, open. A small tour through 20 years to discover together what film is – and what film can be." (Philipp Fleischmann, Artistic Director and Curation)
Philipp Fleischmann and several filmmakers will be our guests.