Max Penzel studied cinematography from 1999 to 2005 at the DFFB (Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin), during which time he worked briefly at the film academy of Lodz, Poland.

Penzel participated in three motion pictures of Volker Schlöndorf, and recently worked on Berlin Calling (2008) by former Villa Aurora Fellow Hannes Stöhr. He frequently operates as second cinematographer in projects of Andreas Höfer. In 2005, Max was honored with the Ballhaus Förderpreis and with the Bayrischer Filmpreis in 2007 for best second cinematographer.

Awards and Grants

2011 DVD in Gold for more than 25 000 sold items for Paul Kalkbrenner, A Live Documantary

2009/2010 Awarded the Villa Aurora Grant in Los Angeles, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Germany

Cinematography

 - Bavarian Film Award 2007 Best Cinematography (2nd Unit) for Strajk

- Michael Ballhaus Award for upcoming Cinematographers

- Nominated for Cinematography Student Award Camerimage in Lodz, “The Date”

- Nominated for Cinematography Student Award Manaki Brothers Festival, The Date

Film Awards

- Grand Prix Int. Fantasy Film Festival Bruxelles Day 26

- Grand Prix, Best Short Brooklyn Int. Film Festival Day 26

- Best Short Brooklyn Int. Film Festival The Dud

- Artistic Contribution Int. Film Festival Rio Day 26

- Best German Short Int. Film Festival Ludwigsburg Day 26

- Best Film Film Festival Landshut Day 26

- 2nd Prize of the Festival Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival Day 26

- Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Award The Date

- Grimme Award Live behind Walls

- Grand Prix and best Short Valladolid Int. Film Festival for Lights

- Nomination for European Film Awards Lights