Michael J. Keplinger

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

Biography Keplinger’s 2019 music video False Neon God premiered at Crossing Europe in 2020. In 2021, his music video for the independent single Pick Up Your Cross (and follow me) was awarded The “Levi” Award for The Best Music Video at the Ca’ Foscari Short Film Festival.

Keplinger’s first narrative short films Allerseelen and Iris premiered at the Crossing Europe Film Festival in 2022 and 2024 respectively. The films received several awards. For his films, Keplinger serves as director, producer, composer, screenwriter, editor and sound designer.

In 2024, Keplinger signed with Upper Austrian record label Diegital Records. His debut single Passing Through was released later that year accompanied by a music video shot on 16 mm film. In 2026, Keplinger released the EP The Words At Play. For his music, Keplinger writes, produces and performs all vocal and instrumental parts himself. The Words At Play (2026) The Words At Play (2026) Ember (2026) Iris (2024) The Words At Play: Visual EP (2026)

Music videos

False Neon God (2019) Pick Up Your Cross (and follow me) (2020) Honolulu, Baby! (2020) Impromptu Sessions (2021–2023) Passing Through (2024) Rêverie To Zoë (2026) Golden Wire Short Film Allerseelen Nominated

Gold medal

Won Special award for a remarkable idea Won Bronze medal Won Flatness Film Awards Best Super Short Experimental

Won Austrian Filmfestival Best Horror/Thriller Film Won

Special award for a remarkable idea (with Simona Ascher) Won Special award for remarkable sound design Nominated

Provincial champion for Upper Austria

Won Gold medal Won Silver medal Won Zawinul Foundation For Achievement Creative Video Award Won 85th Film Competition between Nations and Congress Silber medal Won