In a noteworthy development within the German film industry, former Wiedemann & Berg Managing Director Justyna Muesch has embarked on a new venture, joining hands with her ex-colleague Sofie Scherz-Fleischer and director Alireza Golafshan to establish an independent production company named Story Garden in Munich. This collaboration marks a strategic and creative partnership among seasoned professionals who have built a successful track record through years of working together on various projects.
The company also strategically aligns with Thomas Herberth and Florian Brüning from Horse&Fruits Film Productions, a brand they co-founded a decade ago with Golafshan. By consolidating their resources, Story Garden aims to thrive alongside Horse&Fruits, focusing on high-quality films and series that resonate with German-speaking audiences across diverse genres.
Proven Success and Future Aspirations
The trio of Muesch, Scherz-Fleischer, and Golafshan is no stranger to success. They recently celebrated the release of their third collaborative project, “Alles Fifty Fifty,” which garnered critical acclaim, winning the Bavarian Film Award for Best Director in 2024. Their past works, including 2019’s “The Goldfish” and 2021’s “JGA: Jasmin.Gina.Anna,” showcase their ability to captivate audiences and produce culturally relevant narratives.
At the heart of Story Garden’s mission is the commitment to not only develop compelling content but also to support emerging talents in the film industry. Their ambition extends beyond just creating films; they seek to nurture new voices that can contribute fresh perspectives to German cinema.
The merger of municipal operations from Horse&Fruits into Story Garden promises a synergistic approach to film production. Meanwhile, the Vienna office will continue to operate under the Horse&Fruits identity. This dual structure allows the team to benefit from a regional presence that can creatively tackle projects at both local and international levels.
Among their current endeavors is an innovative series titled “on Sheep,” featuring animated talking sheep, developed for ZDF and ORF. The project signals a creative edge and willingness to explore unconventional ideas that evoke both humor and poignancy in equal measure.
As the German-speaking film market continues to evolve, the strategic maneuvers of Story Garden position the company favorably within the competitive landscape. Their plans for German-Austrian co-productions further enhance this objective, promoting cross-border collaborations that can enrich storytelling.
Muesch expressed genuine enthusiasm about this new chapter, stating, “After wonderful experiences with great partners I’ve been lucky enough to work with so far, I’m thrilled to have found the ideal setup.” This sentiment underscores the importance of collaboration in filmmaking, reinforcing how strong partnerships can lead to remarkable creative outcomes.
With Muesch’s extensive experience, Scherz-Fleischer’s production acumen, and Golafshan’s imaginative direction, Story Garden is poised to leave a significant impact on the industry. As they embark on this ambitious journey, the film community will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on their upcoming projects and the innovative narratives they choose to explore.