Jan-Ole Gerster

Jan-Ole Gerster began studying directing at the German Film and Television Academy Berlin (DFFB) in 2004. His debut film OH BOY had its world premiere in the summer of 2012 at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, became an international surprise success, and was celebrated by both audiences and critics alike. OH BOY was screened at over 60 film festivals worldwide and won numerous awards, including the German Film Award in six categories, among them Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Film. Jan-Ole’s second feature film LARA also had its world premiere in Karlovy Vary, was shown at festivals around the world, and was nominated for the German Film Award. His first English-language film ISLANDS premiered at the Berlinale 2025 and is currently showing in cinemas in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.