The film industry is witnessing the emergence of a dynamic new force with the establishment of Story Garden, an independent production company based in Munich. This venture brings together an impressive team of seasoned professionals, including former Wiedemann & Berg Managing Director Justyna Muesch, producer Sofie Scherz-Fleischer (commonly known as Scherz), and director Alireza Golafshan. Complementing their efforts are Thomas Herberth and Florian Brüning, notable figures in the documentary sphere with their longstanding collaboration with Golafshan at Horse&Fruits Film Productions. Together, they aim to cultivate a fertile ground for high-quality films and series tailored for the German-speaking audience.
The partners behind Story Garden are not strangers to collaboration; they boast a rich history of creative partnerships. Their joint portfolio includes well-received projects such as the 2019 film *The Goldfish* and the 2021 film *JGA: Jasmin.Gina.Anna*. This summer marked another milestone with the release of *Alles Fifty Fifty*, a comedy directed by Golafshan, which earned accolades including the Bavarian Film Award for Best Director in 2024. Such achievements signal a robust foundation for Story Garden as the team progresses to explore new narratives and innovative concepts across diverse genres.
Under the umbrella of Story Garden, Muesch and her colleagues plan to integrate the Munich-based operations of Horse&Fruits while maintaining their Vienna office. This strategic merger allows the team to streamline efforts in producing compelling content while retaining a global perspective through planned collaborations with Austrian filmmakers. Current endeavors include an inventive series about anthropomorphic sheep, showcasing the creative flair and originality that Story Garden aims to champion in the competitive landscape of film production.
Muesch expressed her excitement about embarking on this new chapter, highlighting the synergies created by the partnership. Her vision encompasses not only the continuation of their successful projects under Golafshan’s direction but also the discovery of fresh talent within the industry. Emphasizing a collaborative environment, Muesch believes that the combined expertise of her team, particularly in documentary filmmaking, will enhance the quality and diversity of the productions under the Story Garden banner.
As Story Garden takes root in the Munich film landscape, the production company stands poised to make a significant impact. This coalition of experienced filmmakers is not only focused on delivering high-caliber entertainment but is also committed to nurturing the next generation of storytellers. With a professional pedigree that includes recent successes and the ambition to create engaging, genre-spanning content, Story Garden appears primed to become a major player in the German-speaking film industry. The journey ahead promises to be as exciting and transformative as the stories they intend to tell.