Wolfgang Petersen (1941-2022) was a German film director and screenwriter, renowned for his ability to create high-tension works. He achieved international fame with the submarine drama "Das Boot" (1981), acclaimed for its claustrophobic tension and wartime realism, which earned him two Academy Award nominations.

After directing the successful fantasy film "The NeverEnding Story" (1984), he established himself in Hollywood as a master of action blockbusters and thrillers. Among his most important films are "In the Line of Fire" (1993), "Air Force One" (1997), and the disaster movie "The Perfect Storm" (2000). His works are characterized by tight narratives, palpable suspense, and characters often placed in extreme situations, exploring themes of survival and leadership under pressure.