underdog film festival

Team

Oliver Fiedler - Festival Director

Olli’s foundation was laid in the alternative scenery of urban spaces during the 1980s and 90s, before returning to Wolfsburg roughly 30 years ago, making his contribution to the establishment of the craft of tattooing as a more mainstream phenomenon. His appreciation of aesthetic expression as well as holistic understanding of cultural events as a medium that transcends class, would ensure to bring people together who are not naturally inclined to cross paths. From traditional tattoo happenings and art exhibitions to literary event highlights: developing new platforms for creative expression and exchange are a passion project for the man who chose Wolfsburg as his permanent home. So film was a logical choice to expand an already impressive cultural portfolio.

Cedar D. Wolf - Director of Programming

Cedar was educated at The Lee Strasberg Studio as well as the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, CA. In addition to writing and directing, Cedar ran the 'Shakespeare for Dummies' TIE programme and worked in fringe theatre before turning her attention to film in 2009. Her works include numerous stage and screenplays. She directed several shorts as well as the feature film 'Razzmatazz' which was shortlisted for various international festivals, winning a number of awards. Since directing the feature documentary ‘Run the World', Cedar has shifted her attention towards non-fiction and is curently working on another dcumentary project as well as writing the book "Here's to the Losers". She is a member of WIFT Germany, the Film & Medienbüro Niedersachsen and the Actors Society, as well as the Filmbüro Bremen e.V., for which she served as board member until relocating to Wolfsburg in 2021.

Julia Brandt - Industry Liaison

One of our motivated volunteers is also a professional in the audiovisual sector, however, with a focus on corporate media. Julia has worked for a Hanover-based company, specializing in viral marketing for larger corporate clients, before switching to a senior role for the on-board programming for a major cruise line. Julia coordinates production as well as post production and makes sure that operations run smoothly. As a thorough cinephile she has, of course, also lent a helping hand on a number of independent film sets, most recently as production manager for the US shoot of the feature documentary "Run the World". Julia serves as a liaison for filmmakers.

Rita H. Wolf - Industry Liaison

Another motivated volunteer taking care of our industry professionals is Rita, who may be pursuing a MSc right now, but has actually financed her Biology BSc working in the film industry, albeit mostly acting. Rita effectively grew up on international film sets and had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life, making her the perfect person to lend an ear to those who might need assistence when visiting our festival.

Bianca Schiefelbein - Guest Services

If you have any queries regarding ticketing and schedules, Bianca is going to be your go-to person. She is to the guests what Cedar is to the filmmmakers, the person in the know. And as a true Wolfsburg native she will be able to point non-local visitors in the direction of the more exciting places to visit when not attending screenings. And to true locals she is, of course, a familar face, since she has been the heart and soul of Culture Shocks from the very beginning and aside from managing the Wolfsburg branch, she is also the resident piercer.

Sponsors and Supporters

Shout Out to
Film- und Medienbüro Niedersachsen for getting the word out to the filmmaking community since day one!
To Mr Zerbe and EP Wolfsburg we would like to extend our thanks for not only providing us with screening equipment, but also helping out during the festival to keep the show rolling.
And the Faculty of Automotive Engineering at the Ostfalia Hochschule was a true life saver when it came to get some last minute seating arrangements organised.

... and also:

Michelle, Elisa, Markus, Daniel, Patrice and Felix