Olaf Möller may be the most celebrated torchbearer among the sharpest new wave of international critics who have slowly taken their place beside (as well as ahead of) more traditional critics. His texts are published on all levels, in print (in many of the world’s most important film magazines), online, and in the catalogues, from the biggest to many of the smallest yet still prestigious, of various film festivals (where he is also a valued idea man and charismatic presenter).
Möller is a brilliant expert of film cultures and the cinema of even the most remote countries. He lives in Cologne but has only a few days a year to spend there: his rare ability to tie together cinema tradition (of which he is brilliantly knowledgeable) and the impetus of new film keeps him on the road – always by boat or train – almost constantly. At MSFF, Möller has reached a cult status long ago, and one of the main reasons for it has something to do with his unique talent to lead us into new, surprising, and fascinating film themes that no one else would be able to see so clearly. Möller also teaches cinema history at Aalto University.
Peter von Bagh
Olaf Möller has curated the Master Class series Seasons in the Sun for the programme.