Written and Interviewed by Leila Scott, Photos by Patrick Cox, Video by Alex Puga, Tyler Rispoli, Paige Mathieson and Lauren Helgason
Discovery Award winner, Valerie Pachner has risen to the occasion in her performance in Terrence Malick’s, “A Hidden Life.” Upon showing at the Cannes Film Festival, the film’s been recognized by many as “ambitious and visually absorbing.”
Since the film is set during World War II, Pachner had to prepare for her role in this period piece. Originally from Austria, Pachner revealed that her research entailed reading old letters and returning to her roots.
Pachner began acting and molding her craft in the theater. Her training started at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna, but in 2013 the Residenztheater’s ensemble brought her aboard permanently. There she starred in “Egon Schiele: Death and the Maiden,” where her performance won the Austrian Film Prize.
Describing herself as someone who is still learning, Pachner felt honored when she received the letter from the SCAD Savannah Film Festival notifying her of the Discovery Award. It’s easy to say this is only the beginning for Pachner.
Video Producer: Alex Puga, Main Camera: Tyler Rispoli, Secondary Camera: Alex Puga and Paige Mathieson, Video Editor: Lauren Helgason
