Wolfgang Murnberger

Wolfgang Murnberger, born on 13 November 1960 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, is a prolific Aussian film director whose career spans over four decades. Emerging from the culturally rich environment of Lower Austria, Murnberger pursued a passion for visual storytelling that quickly translated into a steady stream of cinematic work beginning in 1984. Over the years he has helmed more than forty films, ranging from gritty crime dramas to introspective television movies, demonstrating a versatile command of tone, pacing, and character development. His early feature I Promise (1994) marked a decisive entry into the Austrian film scene, establishing his reputation for blending suspense with nuanced human emotion. The turn of the millennium saw Murnberger gain broader recognition with Komm, süßer Tod (2000), a darkly poetic thriller that cemented his status as a master of the genre. Subsequent projects such as Silentium (2004) and The Bone Man (2009) reinforced his skill in adapting literary material for the screen, while his television work—including the celebrated Live Is Life (2010) and its sequel Live Is Life 2 (2013)—showcased his ability to navigate the demands of serialized storytelling without compromising artistic integrity. In recent years Murnberger has continued to explore diverse narratives, evident in the biographical Luis Trenker (2015) and the poignant Erich Kästner and Little Tuesday (2016). Throughout his enduring career, he has remained a key figure in Austrian cinema, influencing emerging directors and contributing to the international perception of Austria’s filmic voice. His commitment to craft, combined with a relentless curiosity for new subjects, ensures that Wolfgang Murnberger’s oeuvre will continue to engage audiences for years to come.