Antrittsvorlesung: Prof. Nanouk Leopold

KHM

Mittwoch, 6. Mai 2026, 19 Uhr
Aula, Filzengraben 2, 50676 Köln
Begrüßung: Prof. Mathias Antlfinger, Rektor
Moderation: Prof. Pia Marais

The Dutch director and screenwriter was appointed professor of fiction film and series directing at the Cologne Academy of Media Arts (KHM) effective April 1, 2026. In her first seminar at the KHM, she will explore the dramatic arc of a feature film, a miniseries, and the same source material—and how to modernize a classic story.

Nanouk Leopold will introduce herself to the university and the public with an inaugural lecture on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 7 p.m. She will present her latest feature film, “Whitetail.” Following the screening, Prof. Pia Marais will lead a discussion with Nanouk Leopold about the film, her professional career, and her teaching at the KHM.

Nanouk Leopold writes about “Whitetail,” her seventh feature film, in which she offers an unusually vivid insight into the landscape of southern Ireland and the life of the tormented, driven woman (Natasha O’Keeffe): "For a long time I have had the desire to make a film set in a vast boundless naturallandscape. Growing up in a small fully urbanized country it was my childhood dream to get lost. But I soon discovered there were too many people and not enough trees. The urgency to protect nature and to try to save what we still have is greater than ever. As a filmmaker I feel a responsibility to make a film that can showcase the beauty of nature and underline its importance. Probably due to my background as a visual artist I am skilled at telling stories through space. In 'Whitetail' the villages in the southwest of Ireland and the surrounding landscape are more than just a setting. Jen’s work as a biodiversity and conservation ranger connects her directly to this place. She believes in rewilding:restoring the balance that has been disrupted by human interference. This theme is both timely and existential (...)." (Excerpt Director’s Statement)

"Whitetails" by Nanouk Leopold

Netherlands/Belgium/Ireland, Fiction, 2025, 103 min

Original version in English

In the isolated beauty of southern Ireland, Jen works as a conservation ranger in the same woods where, years ago, her younger sister lost her life in a tragic accident. The sudden return of Oscar, a boyfriend from her distant past, stirs memories long buried, forcing her to confront their shared history. As a poacher begins leaving violent traces across the land she protects, the line between past and present starts to blur and Jen has to face what's been haunting her all along.

Written & directed by Nanouk Leopold; Cast: Natasha O’Keeffe, Andrew Bennett, Aaron McCusker, Rory Nolan, Simone Kirby, Aidan O’Hare; Cinematography: Frank van den Eeden; Editing Katharina Wartena; Music: Stephen Rennicks; Sound Design: Max van den Oever; Sound Oliver Pattinama; Production Design: Emma Lowney; Costumes: Manon Blom; Make-Up: Scarlett Kraidy; Casting: Louise Kiely Thyrza Ging, Coproducers: Katie Holly, Evan Horan, Bart van Langendonck, Martien Vlietman; Produced by Stienette Bosklopper, Maarten Swart

Nanouk Leopold is a Dutch film director and screenwriter. She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam and at the Netherlands Film Academy in Amsterdam. Her debut film, “Îles Flottantes,” had its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2001. With films such as “Guernsey,” “Wolfsbergen,” and “Brownian Movement,” she established herself internationally at major film festivals.

In 2013, her film “It’s All So Quiet” opened the Panorama Special section of the Berlinale. Her film “Cobain” premiered at the Berlinale in 2018, while her latest film, “Whitetail,” was presented in Toronto.

“Cobain” (2018, 94 min.) celebrated its world premiere at the Berlinale in the Generation section. She is currently working on her new feature film, “A Different Pace.”

In addition to her film work, she is also active in theater and has directed plays for the renowned theater group ITA as well as at the Berliner Ensemble, among others.

She also made her opera debut with “Der Zwerg” at the Dutch National Opera. Together with the artist Daan Emmen, she also creates video installations and international exhibitions.

She has been a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences since 2016. Her detailed resume can be found here.

Editor — Ute Dilger

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Antrittsvorlesung: Prof. Nanouk Leopold

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