Sebastian Meise
Directing
Biography
Born in Tirol, Austria, in 1976. He first studied Painting and Philosophy, later Directing at the Vienna Film Academy. During his studies, he produced several short films and documentaries together with Thomas Reider. His first feature-length documentary Outing (2012) is closely linked to his multi-award-winning film debut Stillleben (Still life, 2011). His third feature film Great Freedom premiered at Cannes Film Festival 2021.
Known For
In post-war Germany, liberation by the Allies does not mean freedom for everyone. Hans Hoffmann is repeatedly imprisoned under Paragraph 175, which criminalizes homosexuality. Nevertheless, over the decades, he continues his quest for freedom and love, even if he finds it in the most unusual places.
Great Freedom
An unexpected letter forces siblings Bernhard and Lydia to confront each other and to deal with their family history.
Still Life
Sven is thirty, eloquent, studied archaeology and has never been guilty of anything. But, since puberty, Sven has felt sexually attracted to children. He attends therapy sessions and is determined never give in to his desires. In order to overcome his isolation, and to protect himself, Sven ventures into the public eye – a risky step that few dare to take. Filmmakers Sebastian Meise and Thomas Rieder accompanied Sven over several years and documented Sven’s struggle to deal with his sexual inclination, without being a danger to himself or others. Thoughts are free – where does guilt begin? Is society too quick to accuse? What place in society is a man like Sven allowed to take? This film puts both morals and enlightenment to the test.
Outing
The long road to freedom. For Jacob Wainwright and the nameless ‘Boy’, it is 1,000 miles on foot, then 4,000 across the ocean. From besieged Africa all the way to London. A dead man is their ticket: David Livingstone, the famous British explorer.