A glimpse of the world as perceived by the current generation of Austrian filmmakers returns for a third edition.
The Austrian Cultural Forum London, in cooperation with the Austrian Film Institute, presents the third edition of watchAUT, a dedicated film festival featuring the best new and recent films to emerge from Austria. Running 13–16 March 2025 at Ciné Lumière and the ICA, it provides a glimpse of the world as perceived by the current generation of Austrian filmmakers.
With a focus on today’s hottest issues making waves in front of and behind the camera, watchAUT is both a timely snapshot and an intriguing reflection of the current status quo. It’s also an opportunity to preview anticipated new films by Austrian directors, as well as to see acclaimed titles that haven’t had a UK theatrical release on the big screen, including opening gala PEACOCK starring BAFTA-nominated actor Albrecht Schuch, and acclaimed international film festival titles VENI VIDI VICI and MOON, both produced by Austrian filmmaker, writer, producer and provocateur Ulrich Seidl (Venice Grand Jury Prize winner for Dog Days). Satirical mocumentary PIGGY BANK and Bollywood critique MEHRUNISA complete the feature programme.
The festival is also a celebration of Austria’s rich cinematic heritage. This year’s archive screening is a rare chance to see on a cinema screen the infamous 1980s psycho-thriller ANGST, which was banned in many European countries for its depiction of violence. Austrian experimental cinema has long been a hotbed of radical ideas and daring artistry, and watchAUT’s first ever shorts programme FRAME REBELS is a fascinating selection of surreal and experimental Austrian short films from the 1970s to the present day.
WATCHAUT PROGRAMME
PEACOCK: Ciné Lumière, 13 March, 8pm, London Premiere + Q&A
VENI VIDI VICI: ICA, Friday 14 March, 6.30pm: London Premiere + Q&A
MOON: ICA, Friday 14 March, 8.40pm: UK Premiere + Q&A with Kurdwin Ayub
FRAME REBELS: AUSTRIAN SHORTS THAT DEFY CONVENTION: ICA,15 March, 6.30pm
SPECIAL ARCHIVE SCREENING: ANGST: ICA, Saturday 15 March, 8.30pm
PIGGY BANK: ICA, Sunday 16 March, 3pm: London Premiere
MEHRUNISA: ICA, Sunday 16 March, 5.30pm: UK Premiere
Venues
ICA, The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH: https://www.ica.art
Ciné Lumière, 17 Queensberry Pl, London SW7 2DW: Ciné Lumière
Further Information: WatchAUT 2025 ← Events ← Austrian Cultural Forum London