Johannes Schmid

Born in 1973 near Munich, he studied Theatre, Film, German Literature and Art History in Erlangen and Munich. Since 2000 he has worked as an independent director and author for screen and stage. He has directed over 45 productions for theaters such as: Teatro alla Scala Milano, Deutsche Oper am Rhein Düsseldorf/Duisburg, Malmö Stadsteater, Lackö Castle Opera Sweden. After directing many short films, his first feature was SILLY’S SWEET SUMMER, based on his own screenplay. The film, premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2007, received numerous prizes including the Children’s Media Prize “White Elephant 2007” and the screenplay prize “Children’s Tiger 2008”. His second feature film, the German-Polish co-production WINTER’S DAUGHTER, was equally appreciated and received the German Film Prize LOLA AWARD as “Best Children’s Film” in 2012. In 2015 Johannes directed and wrote his third feature, AGNES, based on the novel by the swiss author Peter Stamm. In spring 2022 his family film TALES OF FRANZ, based on the book series by Christine Nöstlinger, was released in the cinemas in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The film got numerous prizes. NEW TALES OF FRANZ is its sequel.

“This time it's about the big question, recognizable to all children, of how to deal with conflicts in friendships. And what can happen if you don't try to resolve these conflicts openly, but instead get caught up in lies and half-truths.  So Franz, Gabi and Eberhard once again have their hands full. These themes are wrapped up in a mystery story: the three children investigate Mrs. Berger and Zick-Zack, whom they believe to be a gang of criminals - unfoundedly, of course, as it turns out in the end. And all this with a wink in the tradition of the Austrian children's author Christine Nöstlinger, where a reference to the everyday world of children and their problems is always maintained.”