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Magic of the Macroverse

This is my passion… this is my mission… this is my way of expressing art… this is my MAGIC OF THE MACROVERSE

Director Biography – Alfred Schaschl

Alfred Schaschl is an underwater filmmaker from Carinthia, Austria, renowned for his captivating nature documentaries filmed beneath the surface. Alongside his professional role as Head of the Building Authority in the municipality of Arnoldstein, he dedicates his free time to the art of filmmaking. Without a doubt, he ranks among the world’s most significant macro underwater filmmakers.

With more than 2,500 dives across nearly all of the world’s oceans, Schaschl has compiled an impressive collection of underwater footage. His films are characterized by an emotional narrative style and a strong visual aesthetic. He is regarded as a “Voice of the Oceans”, bringing awareness to the fragile beauty of marine ecosystems.

Nevertheless, Schaschl’s main focus remains his passion: the underwater world.

Highlight Project: “MAGIC MOMENTS”

His most recent and notable project is the film “MAGIC MOMENTS,” shot in Indonesia.

This work explores the deep connection between humans and the ocean, encouraging viewers to reflect on the importance of the sea. More than mere entertainment, Schaschl’s films aim to educate and raise awareness about the beauty and vulnerability of the oceans.

Cinematic Focus and Style

Themes & Motifs:
Schaschl’s films center around the beauty and fragility of marine life. Through his visual storytelling, he aims to foster greater awareness of ocean conservation.

Aesthetics & Narrative:
His work combines a visually poetic language with emotional storytelling. These are not just documentaries – they are stories that touch the heart and inspire reflection.

International Awards & Recognition

Alfred Schaschl’s contributions have earned him wide international acclaim. His films have been screened in numerous countries, underlining the global reach and recognition of his work:

🥇 Major Awards:

Gold Medal – World Championship WorldShootOut 2021, 2022, 2023

Gold Medal – Asian Dive Expo 2025 (Singapore)

1st Prize – Wetpixel Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2023

1st Prize – Houston Underwater Film Festival 2023 (USA)

1st Prize – Camera Louis Boutan 2020 (Germany)

1st Prize – Film Festival Cimasub 2024 (Spain)

1st Prize – SOTO Aqua Film Festival Venice 2021

1st Prize – Scubaverse Underwater Video Contest 2021 & 2022 (UK)

1st Prize – Neum Underwater Film Festival 2025 (Bosnia)

🥈 2nd Prizes:

Houston Underwater Film Festival 2024 (USA)

Ocean Geographic “Pictures of the Year” 2021 & 2023 – Howard Hall Award of Excellence (Australia)

Wetpixel Masters 2024 (USA)

San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition 2021 (USA)

PAF Tachov Underwater Film Festival 2021 & 2024 (Czech Republic)

🎬 Other Distinctions:

Honorable Mention – Ocean Geographic “Pictures of the Year” 2024 (Australia)

Award Winner – International Underwater Film Festival Belgrade 2024

Special Jury Award – Cimasub (Spain)

Official Selections –

San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition 2023

Film Festival Belgrade 2020, 2021, 2022

Finalist / Semifinalist – Neum Underwater Film Festival (2021, 2022, 2023)

Nominee – Short Film Prize, Int’l Ocean Film Festival Kiel CINEMARE 2022

Further Involvements

CMAS Jury Member – European Championship 2022 (Madeira), World Championship 2023 (Cuba)

Netflix Documentary Collaboration – Participation in several world record ice diving attempts at Weissensee (Austria) alongside Markus Rogan

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