Angela Schanelec

Director, Writer, Editor, Producer, Actor

February 14, 1962 (64 years)
Angela Schanelec ([aŋˈɡeːla ˈʃaːnəlɛk]; born 1962) is a German filmmaker and actress.

Her films have premiered at numerous renowned film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival. She is often compared to several European avant-garde filmmakers, such as Chantal Akerman, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Robert Bresson, whom she has cited as an important influence.

At the 69th Berlin International Film Festival, Schanelec won the Silver Bear for Best Director for her film “I Was at Home, But…” (2019). At the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, Schanelec won the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay for her film “Music” (2023).

Schanelec was born in Aalen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. She began her artistic career as an actress on stage, but is now best known for her career as a filmmaker, which began during her time at the Berlin Film and Television Academy (dffb). While there, she studied under Harun Farocki and Hartmut Bitomsky and met Christian Petzold and Thomas Arslan. Together, they formed the so-called first wave of the Berlin School.

Known For

  • I Was at Home, But...
    I Was at Home, But...2019
  • Music
    Music2023
  • Marseille
    Marseille2004
  • Passing Summer
    Passing Summer2001
  • Afternoon
    Afternoon2007
  • The Dreamed Path
    The Dreamed Path2017
  • Orly
    Orly2010
  • My Sister’s Good Fortune
    My Sister’s Good Fortune1995
  • My Wife Cries
    My Wife CriesJun 11, 2026
  • I Stayed in Berlin All Summer
    I Stayed in Berlin All Summer1994
  • The Bridges of Sarajevo
    The Bridges of Sarajevo2014
  • Germany ’09 – 13 Short Films About the State of the Nation
    Germany ’09 – 13 Short Films About the State of the Nation2009
  • Prague, March ’92
    Prague, March ’921992
  • The Family or Schroffenstein
    The Family or Schroffenstein1984