Lorenz Merz, a multifaceted artist, was born in 1981 in Zurich, Switzerland, to Swiss-American parents. His early life was shaped by his diverse interests in music, painting, and photography, which later influenced his career in film.
Merz pursued his passion for filmmaking by studying at the University of the Arts Zurich and Universidad del Cine Buenos Aires. His graduate piece, "Un día y nada" (2008),garnered international recognition, including the prestigious Silver Leopard at the 61st Locarno International Film Festival and the Swiss Film Prize in 2009.
As a feature film director, Merz's work, "Cherry Pie" (2013),was showcased at numerous festivals, including the 66th Locarno International Film Festival, Rotterdam International Film Festival, and others. His film received several international awards, including the Luna de Valencia at the Valencia International Film Festival in 2014.
In addition to his work as a director, Merz has also excelled as a cinematographer, earning awards for his contributions to "Summer Games" (2011) and "War" (2014),including the Swiss Film Prize. In 2013, he co-founded the Zurich-based production company, 8horses, with fellow filmmakers.
Merz has been an active member of several prominent film organizations, including the European Film Academy, Swiss Film Academy, and Swiss Cinematographer's Society. He has also served on the juries of the Locarno International Film Festival and the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival in 2015.
Today, Merz is a father of two sons and divides his time between Zurich and Paris, where he continues to pursue his passion for filmmaking.
