Vienna's Modernist Genius

With tireless strength and great courage, Eugenie Schwarzwald overcomes the challenges of the male-dominated education in the 20th century. Since graduating cum laude from the University of Zurich and receiving her doctoral degree in German philology, Eugenie fights for women’s education, freedom and equality.

In 1901, she founds a new school in the heart of Vienna - the "Schwarzwald Girls' Lyceum”. With her work, she conveys new teaching methods and a modern concept of education.

But telling the story of this school also means telling the story of Viennese Modernism. Dazzling artists and influential personalities such as Oskar Kokoschka, Adolf Loos, Egon Wellesz and Arnold Schönberg are closely associated with this era - and are teaching at this exceptional school.

The students, who are among the first female graduates in Austria, will one day be remembered as great authors, actresses or artists. And Eugenie Schwarzwald will not only be their teacher, but a true mentor throughout her whole life.

Documentary
52′ | ORF 2 | 2022

Director & Script Alex Wieser
Assistant Director & Script Pia Padlewski
DOP Benjamin Paya
Sound Peter Priemer
Production Coordinator Elena Zeh
 

[a co-prodcution of ORF and Vienna Set, funded by Filmfonds Wien and Fernsehfonds Austria, in association with ORF-Enterprise]