A short film about the thoughts and emotions of young adults. We dive into the world of Cleo, a young woman living in Frankfurt. It is the year 2023, we have just come through almost three years of pandemic and are now struggling with new problems that are particularly affecting young people. In the film, we follow her everyday life and gain an insight into her world and the things that concern her.
I was inspired to make this film by numerous conversations with fellow students, friends, and people I know. Although each of them has different interests, a different job, or attends a different university, they all share these thoughts. Thoughts about questioning the daily grind, searching for their own path, hope and anticipation for what is to come, and at the same time fear and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Working with the telephone helpline has made it clear to me how many people are dealing with these issues and how important conversations and a listening ear are in order not to lose hope in such seemingly hopeless and desperate situations.
The film was shot on the Sony FX3 with Sirui anamorphic lenses. The anamorphics underscore the cinematic ambition and create a characteristic visual aesthetic with subtle lens flares and slight image compression, which intensifies the atmosphere.
The visual language is clear and controlled – characterized by strict axes, symmetry, and calm compositions. This design decision reflects the monotony and routines of everyday life, while subtle camera movements guide the viewer through the scenes.
Color grading was also intentionally used as a dramatic element: the film begins with a pale, cold look that conveys distance and emptiness. As the film progresses, the color palette increasingly develops into warmer, more vibrant tones – a visual echo of the plot twist.
In addition to the color dramaturgy, the sound design approach also contributes significantly to the effect: reduced, clearly placed atmospheres reinforce the emptiness at the beginning, before more dynamic soundscapes and a more open sound image accompany the emotional development.
The result is a film that impresses not only with its story, but also with its precise creative signature in camera work, composition, and post-production.
“In the end, what counts is that one moment when everything comes together: light, mood, composition, for a story that lasts.”
For over a decade, photography and film have been my tools for understanding the world. What began as a hobby with my first camera has now become my language — my way of telling stories that reveal more than just the surface.
My focus is on genuine moments. Stories, details, moods that cannot be planned and yet define the whole. Whether with people, in the automotive world, or while traveling, the key is to make my vision visible and take my viewers on an emotional and exiting journey.
Purity and reduction characterize my work. Composition, light, and lens choice are more important to me than strong effects or trends. My images should be enduring – timeless, direct, and honest. When people open up, they reveal sides of themselves that remain untouched and that is precisely where images with depth are created. Especially in portrait photography, this creates a closeness that requires trust.
Curiosity keeps my work alive. New cultures, different perspectives, unfamiliar surroundings – I am always on the lookout for new experiences so that every project is an adventure that challenges me.
Over the past few years, I have had the privilege traveling the world and working with a wide range of international clients and leading companies such as Porsche, Brabus, and Dr. Ausbüttel, collaborating closely with them to deliver exceptional projects.
