IRIS — A Short Film

Q&A with Simona Ascher at Fright Nights (AT)

Photo © Fright Nights

Michael J. Keplinger Films

Michael J. Keplinger is a filmmaker whose work is defined by its visual precision, evocative sound design, emotional restraint, and distinctive sense of rhythm. Drawing from a background in music, his films often unfold with a quiet intensity, emphasizing mood and texture over exposition. Whether working with narrative or experimental forms, Michael J. Keplinger crafts films that invite contemplation rather than command attention.
His filmography has been screened at 30+ international film festivals and earned him 20+ awards. Rather than aiming for spectacle, Keplinger builds his stories around subtle gestures, lingering silences, and the unsaid—inviting the viewer into a space of introspection.

Passing Through

Music Video / 31 May 2024

Iris

Short Film / 2 May 2024

For A While

Short Film / 28 April 2024

La Vertu du Pion

Animated Short / 23 February 2024

Impromptu Sessions

Video Series / 15 September 2023

BLOOM/RABBIT

Short Film / 27 May 2023

Playing…

Video Series / 22 July 2022

Medium des Films

Television Feature / 19 April 2022

Allerseelen

Short Film / 2 November 2021

Begehren

Short Film / 14 February 2021

Honolulu, Baby!

Music Video / 20 December 2020

Pick Up Your Cross (and follow me)

Music Video / 29 August 2020

ENSEMBLE (Musik in Stadt und Land)

Short Documentary / 16 July 2020

TALKING or (a postmodern approach to discussion)

Animated Short / 12 August 2019

False Neon God

Music Video / 25 April 2019

IRIS

Award-winnding short film

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IRIS uses narrative means to draw us into the nerve-wrecking story. It plays excellently with suspense and uncertainty. (…) An absolutely thrilling film.

Buntingford Shorts 2025

(…) The music was used discretely, without ever getting loud. it was more intense, but still quiet. (…) superbly done.

Festival der Film-Autoren 2024