Werner Penzel, a visionary artist of remarkable versatility, emerged in Germany in 1950, setting the stage for a lifelong odyssey of creative expression. The 1960s served as the catalyst for his artistic awakening, as he indulged in the rhythmic world of music by playing in various rock bands, while simultaneously honing his literary skills through the composition of poetry. This nascent talent was first showcased in R.D. Brinkmann's influential underground magazine, "Der Froehliche Tarzan", a platform that not only validated his artistic aspirations but also served as a springboard for his future endeavors in independent filmmaking.
Penzel's formative years in the 1970s were marked by a rich tapestry of artistic and cultural experiences, as he simultaneously worked and resided with the illustrious Brazilian theatre company "Oficina" in Rio De Janeiro.
During this period, he also had the privilege of accompanying the renowned "Living Theatre" on their European tour, no doubt absorbing valuable insights and knowledge from this esteemed troupe.
In addition, Penzel further honed his craft by enrolling at the prestigious Munich Film Academy, where he likely immersed himself in the intricacies of filmmaking and storytelling.
His travels took him to diverse corners of the globe, as he ventured extensively throughout South and Central America, North Africa, India, the United States, and Japan.
It was during his sojourn in Japan that Penzel had the opportunity to delve deeper into the spiritual realm, as he spent time practicing Zen meditation in the revered Eiheiji and Antaiji monasteries, undoubtedly cultivating a sense of inner peace and clarity.
Penzel's cinematic journey began with a significant milestone, Vagabunden Karawane, in the year 1980, marking the start of his illustrious film career. This was followed by a series of notable works, including Pirates of Silence in 1984, Adios al Odio in 1986, and other notable achievements.
In 1987, Penzel co-founded the production company "CineNomad" alongside Nicolas Humbert, a partnership that would yield a diverse range of films over the years. One of the earliest collaborations was Step Across the Border, released in 1990.
The company's subsequent projects included Middle of the Moment, a film that premiered in 1995, followed by the film triptych Three Windows in 1999. The same year, Penzel also released Why Should I Buy a Bed When All That I Want Is Sleep?, a chamber film that showcased his versatility as a filmmaker.
Additionally, the company produced the jazz film Brother Yusef, which was released in 2005, further solidifying Penzel's reputation as a skilled and innovative filmmaker.
Throughout his career, Penzel has demonstrated a keen ability to experiment with different genres and styles, resulting in a diverse body of work that showcases his artistic range and creativity.
Since 1995, Penzel has expanded his professional horizons by assuming a teaching role, delivering lectures, workshops, and seminars at prestigious film, media, and art academies in Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, and Lugano, showcasing his expertise and sharing his knowledge with the next generation of creatives.
In 2006, Penzel co-founded "jourparjour company" in Estavayer-Le-Lac, Switzerland, in collaboration with Ayako Mogi, Res Balzli, Marion Neumann, and Christoph Balmer, with the ambitious goal of establishing "Laboratoire Village Nomade", a pioneering initiative that would bring together artists, thinkers, and innovators from diverse backgrounds to foster creative exchange and innovation.
Two years later, in 2008, Penzel made the bold decision to relocate to Awaji-shima, Japan, where he co-founded "nomadomura" with Ayako Mogi and Misa Shimomura, embarking on a new chapter in his career as a filmmaker, musician, and artist. As he continued to work on a wide range of creative projects, Penzel also dedicated himself to exploring the complexities of cultural exchange and human research initiatives, driven by his curiosity and passion for understanding the human experience.
