Michael Koch

Michael Koch is born in Lucerne in 1982. From 2003 to 2008, he studies at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne, working as an actor in parallel. During his studies, he makes the short films We Are the Faithful (2005), Beckenrand (2006) and Polar (2009). All three films are acclaimed at international festivals and receive many awards. Polar receives a Special Mention at the 2009 Berlinale and wins the German Camera Award and the German Short Film Award in 2009. After his studies, he also works as a set director for the Theater Kaserne in Basel. Marija is his debut feature film.

Locarno Festival