Private Project

Vienna's Last Sign Painter

For over a century, the Samuel family shaped Vienna's streets with their beautifully hand-painted signs. Today, Josef Samuel stands as the last in his line, safeguarding this dying craft against the tide of digitalization. From his original workshop, Samuel shares the passion, artistry, and meticulous dedication that defines his work, offering a rare glimpse into a nearly forgotten tradition.

Vienna’s Last Sign Painter is a heartfelt tribute to a vanishing art form —and one man’s extraordinary commitment to keeping its spirit alive.

  • Rebecca Poell
    Director
  • Lara Pretz
    Assistant Director
  • Thomas Schuh
    Second Camera
  • Kim Hufnagl
    Sound
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Der letzte Schildermaler Wiens
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 16, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    100 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Austria
  • Country of Filming:
    Austria
  • Language:
    German
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Filmschule Wien
Director Biography - Rebecca Poell

Rebecca Poell is an emerging documentary filmmaker with a background in communication design and a keen interest in cultural anthropology. Drawing from her international experiences living and working across the globe, Rebecca brings a unique, cross-cultural perspective to her work. Her films explore how people and communities adapt, connect, and thrive in an ever-changing world.

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Director Statement

As a filmmaker, I am drawn to intimate stories that shed light on often overlooked realities while linking them to broader, universal issues. By exploring the underlying emotions and complexities that shape people’s lives, I aim to craft narratives that resonate on a global scale.

"Vienna's Last Sign Painter" embodies my commitment to storytelling that highlights the "wallflowers of modernity" — the cultural aspects that are often overlooked in the face of rapid progress, yet quietly endure. Through Josef Samuel’s story, I seek to document a disappearing art form, while underscoring the value of human craftsmanship in an increasingly fast-paced and digitalized world. By focusing on his personal journey, I hope to celebrate those who strive to preserve the soul of their heritage in a world that often overlooks slow, mindful, creative, imperfect, and deeply personal processes.