Born in Wels, Austria in 1961, a city where his childhood would shape his future endeavors. Growing up in Vienna, Spielmann's creative inclinations began to flourish, and he started writing and directing while still in school. His first film made its television debut in 1978, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career.
In 1980, Spielmann enrolled at the Vienna Film Academy to further hone his skills in screenwriting and directing. During his studies, he completed two films that would go on to receive international recognition and be screened at the esteemed Stadtkino, a Vienna-based arthouse cinema. Graduating in 1987, Spielmann's talent and dedication earned him a strong foundation for his future projects.
Upon graduating, Spielmann wrote and directed four consecutive cinema and made-for-TV films, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the Austrian film industry. A decade later, in 1999, his feature film Die Fremde was selected as Austria's nomination for the Foreign Language Oscar, followed by the made-for-TV movie Spiel im Morgengrauen and the feature Antares in 2004.
Antares, a film that would garner significant international attention, was screened at over 30 festivals worldwide, including arthouse theaters in France, the USA, and Germany. The film's nomination for the Foreign Language Oscar sparked heated debate among Academy members, with its explicit sex scenes being a subject of controversy.
In addition to his work in film, Spielmann has also ventured into the world of stage writing and directing, a pursuit he has been involved with since 2005. His accomplishments in both mediums have earned him numerous accolades, including the Upper Austrian State Prize for Culture in the category of film in 2006.
That same year, Spielmann founded his own production company, Spielmannfilm, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his craft. Throughout his career, Spielmann has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged himself as an artist, leaving a lasting impact on the world of Austrian cinema.
