Dennis Gansel

Dennis Gansel (born 4 October 1973) is a German film director, writer, and actor. He was born in Hanover, Germany, and grew up in East Berlin, where he began making films at the age of 17. Gansel worked in film and television festivals and with organizations for disabled people, preparing for his eventual entry into film school. He studied at Munich Film School HFF for five years.

Gansel is best known for directing *The Wave* and his subsequent film *We Are The Night*, a vampire film starring Karoline Herfurth, Nina Hoss, Jennifer Ulrich, Anna Fischer, and Max Riemelt. In addition to directing, Gansel has also acted, appearing in small roles in his own films and others. He frequently casts Max Riemelt in his projects and regularly collaborates with editor Jochen Retter and composer/musician Heiko Maile. His favorite director is Sydney Pollack.