MICHAEL TERHORST
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Michael Terhorst, born in 1986 in Freiburg im Breisgau, lives in Berlin since 2008. After completing his Master’s degree in Cinematography at the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF (2017), he worked in various fictional and documentary productions. For the format Uncovered, he worked in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Ukraine and completed the Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT). With Embodied Chorus, he realized a Lebanese-German production that highlights social taboos surrounding sexually transmitted infections. Based on personal testimonies, it creates a multifaceted portrait of shame, vulnerability and resilience. The film premiered at the IDFA documentary film festival in Amsterdam. In addition to his film work, he pursues photography, published a photo book and presented an exhibition in Berlin. He also teaches periodically on image design, handheld camera work and color dramaturgy.
AWARDS
2025 Finalist, Berlin Photo Awards - People • Syrien
2024 Deutscher Fernsehpreis – Bestes Buch Unterhaltung • Mein bester Freund wählt AfD • Role: DoP
2023 Nominierung IDFA – First Feature • Embodied Chorus, Danielle F. Davie, Mohamad Moe Sabbah • Role: DoP
2021 Nominierung Grimme-Preis - Information & Kultur • Rechts. Deutsch. Radikal • Role: Camera
2021 2. Preis, Hoepfner Stiftung - Nähe und Distanz • Kämpfer
2021 Shortlisted for Kolga Photo Tbilisi, one shot • Withdrawal clinic
2019 Shortlisted for Kolga Photo Tbilisi, best Documentary • Democratic Republic of Congo
2018 1. Preis, Life Framer - World Travelers • Hirte in Tadschikistan
Judges include Martin Parr, Steve McCurry, and David Alan Harvey.
“This is a wonderfully realised shot of a shepherd in Tajikistan – the sepia tone creating
something raw and tactile, simultaneously old and contemporary. That in itself is a lovely visual trick –
emphasising this simple way of life we are privy to made only possible by modern technology.
It feels both recognisable and unfamiliar, just out of reach perhaps.
And is that not how travel often feels? Imbued with gorgeous textures, the sheep coats blending into
the rolling hills behind, it’s the man’s glance that holds us – dead center of this memorable frame.”
– Life Framer
2017 Kategorie: Kurzfilm, Speechless Film Festival - "Best of Fest" • FÜR DICH BEI MIR
2016 Publikumspreis Mitteldeutsche Filmnacht, 20. Filmfest Dresden • FÜR DICH BEI MIR
2016 Publikumspreis Fiktion, 13. Mitteldeutsches Kurzfilmfestival KURZSUECHTIG • FÜR DICH BEI MIR
2011 1. Preis, kiezkieken Berliner Kurzfilmfestival • PLÖTZENSEE
2011 1. Preis, Leipzig U.F.O.- Kurzfilmfestival • PLÖTZENSEE
SHOOTING EXPERIENCE ABROAD
Ukraine • Afghanistan • Syria • Tadschikistan • Nordkorea • Philippinen • China • USA • Mexiko • Irak • Senegal • Marokko • Türkei • Russland • Polen • Schweiz • Österreich • Frankreich • Kolumbien • Panama • Demokratische Republik Kongo
EXHIBITION
Afghanistan • Tajikisan • North Korea • Philippines • Mexico • Iraq • Senegal • Congo
1.10.2020 – 30.10.2020
Made in wedding / Koloniestr. 120 / 13359 Berlin