Michael J. Keplinger

Michael J. Keplinger (born November 10, 1999) is an Austrian musician and filmmaker.

Biography
Michael J. Keplinger was born on November 10, 1999 in Linz, Upper Austria. Inspired by the music of the Beatles from an early age, Keplinger began learning to play the guitar at the age of eight, followed by other string and keyboard instruments. At the age of 10, Keplinger began to produce his first full music albums in the basement of the family home. He is also enthusiastic about films and filmmaking early on.

His 2019 experimental music video False Neon God, debuts at the Crossing Europe Film Festival 2020, one of the largest film festivals in Austria. Also in 2020, Keplinger independently releases the single Pick Up Your Cross (and follow me) with an accompanying hand-animated music video. This work is awarded The “Levi” Award for The Best Music Video at the Ca’ Foscari Short Film Festival the following year, where it receives high praise by the four-member jury, and is awarded several times by VÖFA – Austrian member of the Union Internationale du Cinéma.

His first narrative short film Allerseelen premieres at the Crossing Europe Film Festival in 2022 and subsequently wins Best Super Short Experimental at the Flatness Film Awards 2022, Best Horror/Thriller Film at the Austrian Filmfestival 2022 as well as several awards from VÖFA in 2023. For Allerseelen, Keplinger serves as director, composer and screenwriter in addition to his involvement in editing and sound design.

For his second narrative short film Iris, Keplinger again serves as director, composer, screenwriter and sound designer, among other roles. The film once more premieres at the Crossing Europe Film Festival 2024 and again earns Keplinger several awards from the VÖFA as well as the prestigious Creative Video Award by the Zawinul Foundation For Achievement.

In 2024, Keplinger signs with Upper Austrian record label Diegital Records. His debut single Passing Through, mastered by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios in London, is released on May 31, 2024. The single is distributed by Sony Music Entertainment. In June, a music video for Passing Through, shot on 16mm film and directed by Keplinger, is released.

Outside of his work in film and music, Keplinger runs the company MJK Media e.U. and teaches as a lecturer at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences.

Discography
Singles


 * Passing Through (2024, Diegital Records)

Filmography
Only directorial efforts are listed below.

Narrative short films


 * Allerseelen (2021)
 * Iris (2024)

Music videos


 * False Neon God (2019)
 * Pick Up Your Cross (and follow me) (2020)
 * Honolulu, Baby! (2020)
 * Impromptu Sessions (2021–2023)
 * Passing Through (2024)