Michal Kosakowski, a multifaceted creative force, burst onto the scene in 1975 with his birth in Szczecin, Poland. This talented individual wears many hats, functioning as a director, writer, producer, director of photography, and editor, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kosakowski has crafted a diverse array of cinematic masterpieces, including numerous short and experimental films, documentaries, video installations, and feature films. His body of work has been met with widespread acclaim, garnering recognition at international festivals and exhibitions.
The accolades have been numerous and well-deserved, as Kosakowski's innovative storytelling and technical prowess have earned him a plethora of awards and accolades. Despite his impressive range of skills, Kosakowski's work is characterized by a singular focus on artistic expression, a commitment to pushing boundaries, and a dedication to storytelling that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
As a result, his films have resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a visionary filmmaker and a true master of his craft. With each new project, Kosakowski continues to defy expectations, challenging himself to explore new themes, styles, and techniques, always striving to innovate and elevate the art of filmmaking.
From a tender age of 10, Kosakowski embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of filmmaking, his creative spark igniting a passion that would only continue to intensify with time. By the time he had reached the ripe age of 18, he had already amassed an impressive portfolio of over 20 shorts, each one a testament to his burgeoning talent and dedication to his craft. This remarkable achievement was not limited to mere quantity, for it was also marked by a distinct and bold visual language that set him apart from his peers.
Kosakowski's innovative approach to filmmaking was further solidified when he founded his first film production company, Dark Productions. This venture allowed him to channel his unique perspective and creative vision into a platform that would showcase his artistic prowess to the world.
Kosakowski's academic journey began with his graduation from the prestigious Academy of Commerce in Vienna in the year 1995, marking the starting point of his pursuit of a career in the film industry. Following his academic achievement, he furthered his education by enrolling in the renowned Vienna Film Academy, where he honed his skills in film production.
After refining his craft in Vienna, Kosakowski embarked on an international learning experience by attending the artists' workshop Fabrica, situated near Venice, Italy. Fabrica, being the Benetton Communication Research Centre, provided him with a unique opportunity to develop his own innovative film ideas and experiment with novel methods of visual communication.
In the year 1998, Kosakowski's professional endeavors took a significant turn as he ventured into the realm of cinematography, lending his expertise to the feature-length documentary film "Les diseurs d'histoires" directed by Mohammed Soudani. Concurrently, he also embarked on a personal creative project, directing his own film "Holy War", which delved into the intriguing intersection of Christmas and war. This ambitious undertaking showcased Kosakowski's versatility as a filmmaker, as he navigated the complexities of exploring the juxtaposition of two seemingly disparate concepts. Following this stint, he further expanded his skillset by working in the commercial sector as a concept developer and film editor for the esteemed agency DMC - Design for Media and Communication.
In the year 2000, a pivotal moment in his career, Michael Kosakowski took the initiative to establish the film production company nosugar added, with a primary focus on creating a diverse range of cinematic content, including documentaries, artist portraits, music films, commercials, and experimental films that would push the boundaries of the medium.
Throughout his tenure at the helm of nosugar added, Kosakowski demonstrated his versatility as a director by tackling a wide variety of projects, including the award-winning films Sleepers and Gipsy Express, which showcased his ability to craft compelling narratives and elicit powerful performances from his subjects.
In addition to his work on feature-length films, Kosakowski also directed the short film Wait a Minute, a concise yet impactful exploration of the human experience, and the documentary The Heart of It, a thought-provoking examination of a specific theme or issue that resonated deeply with audiences.
Kosakowski made a significant transition to Munich, Germany in the year 2006, marking a pivotal moment in his artistic journey. It was during this period that he deepened his creative partnership with the Austrian artist and curator, Uli Aigner. Together, they embarked on a series of innovative film projects, each one showcasing their unique collaborative style.
Their collective endeavors, such as Ghostakademie, Just Like the Movies, and Ephemera, gained widespread recognition and were subsequently featured at prestigious institutions. The Kunsthalle Wien, a renowned cultural hub, provided a platform for their work, while the Centre Pompidou Paris, a revered icon of modern art, also hosted their exhibitions.
Kosakowski's profound enthusiasm for the realm of music has been instrumental in spearheading a series of captivating music film productions, each meticulously crafted to showcase the artistic prowess of a diverse array of talented musicians. This impressive roster includes the renowned MKO, the incomparable KP Werani, the innovative TrioCoriolis, the gifted Francis Kuipers, the exceptional Steven Garling, the versatile Mosa Sisic, and the remarkable Ray Sweeten.
Kosakowski's passion for music has led to several music film productions with and about various musicians, including the MKO, KP Werani, TrioCoriolis, Francis Kuipers, Steven Garling, Mosa Sisic, and Ray Sweeten.
Biography:
Kosakowski is a renowned music enthusiast with a profound appreciation for the art of music. His dedication to the craft has led him to create a series of captivating music film productions, each highlighting the unique talents of various musicians. With his keen eye for detail and passion for storytelling, Kosakowski has established himself as a respected figure in the music industry.
Paolo Marzocchi, a renowned Italian composer, has been collaborating with Kosakowski since 2004, a partnership that has yielded impressive results. One notable achievement is the film "Just Like the Movies", which has garnered widespread recognition and accolades, including the prestigious awards for best film and best original score.
Kosakowski has been enthusiastically engaged in various academic pursuits, assuming the role of lecturer at the renowned MD.H in Munich, Germany, where he has had the opportunity to share his expertise and knowledge with students by teaching courses related to experimental film and the theoretical aspects of filmmaking.
In addition to his academic endeavors, Kosakowski has also demonstrated his passion for film by curating film programs for concert events, showcasing the intersection of music and moving images. His contributions to the film world have not gone unnoticed, as he has been invited to serve as a jury member at several prestigious international film festivals, where he has had the privilege of evaluating and recognizing outstanding cinematic achievements.
Kosakowski's creative endeavors during the period spanning from 1996 to 2007 culminated in the conceptualization of the groundbreaking video-installation Fortynine, which ultimately led to the realization of his feature-length film, Zero Killed, in the year 2011.
In the year 2015, Kosakowski's production company, Kosakowski Films, took the initiative to produce the anthology feature film, German Angst, in which he had the opportunity to direct his episode, Make a Wish, in collaboration with the esteemed filmmakers Jörg Buttgereit and Andreas Marschall.
Kosakowski has been diligently crafting an array of creative endeavors, including art films, literary works, and online platforms, as part of the ambitious global art project known as One Million. This remarkable endeavor, undertaken in collaboration with his wife, Uli Aigner, involves the meticulous production of a staggering one million numbered porcelain dishes, a task that Uli has set for herself to complete before her passing. Additionally, Kosakowski has been busy producing artistic films for a diverse range of clients, including artists, art collectors, and esteemed art foundations.
Kosakowski is actively engaged in the development of his ambitious film-exhibition-installation project, aptly titled Dark Tourism, which delves into the complex and multifaceted aspects of modern commemoration practices associated with World War II and the Holocaust.
