Franz Böhm, a talented filmmaker, was born and raised in Gerlingen, a charming town northwest of Stuttgart. His creative journey began at the tender age of 16, when he crafted his first short film, Harmony of Others, a poignant exploration of interactions among teenagers from diverse social backgrounds.
Years later, in 2017, Böhm created a medium-length, fictionalized documentary titled Christmas Wishes, which delved into the lives of two homeless individuals in Berlin. This remarkable project not only earned him several awards but also opened the BW Youth Film Prize in the same year. To gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter, Böhm spent time living among the homeless population.
Böhm's international debut arrived in 2019 with the short film Good Luck, which premiered at the prestigious British Independent Film Festival and won the "Best Cinematography" award. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career.
In 2021, Böhm made his feature film debut and international breakthrough with the documentary Dear Future Children. This 89-minute film, which focused on young international activism through the experiences of three activists from Hong Kong, Uganda, and Chile, garnered widespread acclaim. It won the Audience Award at the Max-Ophüls-Prize Film Festival, Hot Docs International Film Festival, and International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights, among others. The documentary's nomination for major international documentary film festivals, including CPH:DOX, further solidified its impact.
Böhm's remarkable achievements continued in 2022, as he became the youngest director to win both the Audience Award and the Main Prize at the German Documentary Film Awards. This outstanding achievement cemented his position as a rising star in the world of documentary filmmaking.
