Maren Ade (1976) is a German director, screenwriter, and producer, considered one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary European cinema. Trained at the University of Television and Film Munich, her style is characterized by psychological realism that explores complex relational dynamics with insight and an often subtle, melancholic vein of humor.

Her film *Alle anderen* (Everyone Else, 2009), an intimate portrait of a couple, earned her the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. She achieved international success with *Toni Erdmann* (2016), a bittersweet dramatic comedy about a father-daughter relationship. The film, critically acclaimed at Cannes, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Her works are known for their natural dialogues, nuanced performances, and the ability to explore human frailties through everyday and often embarrassing situations.