What started as a promising debut has turned into something much bigger for Vienna-based Westside Studios. The trailblazing independent film company returned to the Marché du Film at Cannes this year with serious momentum, and their latest documentary thriller “Spy Capital 2” proved they’re no longer just the scrappy newcomers who surprised everyone in 2024.
Following the unexpected global success of “Spy Capital: Vienna,” which explored Austria’s covert history as an espionage hub, the studio decided to go even bolder this time around. “Spy Capital 2” dives headfirst into the explosive WIRECARD scandal – a story that combines financial conspiracy, international espionage, and two Austrians who couldn’t be more different in their current circumstances.
Just think about it – one year ago, few industry insiders would have predicted this rookie team’s Cannes debut would snowball into the kind of acclaim they’ve achieved. “Spy Capital: Vienna” collected an impressive 55 nominations from festivals spanning London to Dubai, ultimately taking home 18 wins. The haul included some serious hardware: Best Documentary, Best Theme Song for Peter Sax’s “Undercover,” Best First-Time Director for Boris Volodarsky, Best Producer, and Best Special Effects.
But this year felt different from the moment they arrived. Westside Studios wasn’t just another exhibitor hoping for attention – they’d become a genuine talking point across the entire festival. The buzz started building well before anyone rolled out the red carpet.
The promotional strategy was impossible to ignore. On May 15th, Cannes Market News published a prominent feature praising the film’s investigative courage and cinematic execution. The very next day brought an even bigger win – a full-page spread featuring the official poster and premiere announcement, perfectly timed with the festival screening.
What really caught everyone’s attention, though, was the massive LED screen positioned along the iconic Croisette between the Casino and the Palais des Festivals. For 14 consecutive days, the “Spy Capital 2” poster flashed every three minutes, 17 hours a day. With nearly 40,000 international industry professionals and film enthusiasts flooding Cannes this year, it became an unmissable visual anchor – a bold statement from a film that dares to expose what most prefer to keep hidden.
The subject matter certainly justifies the bold approach. At the documentary’s core lies the WIRECARD scandal, a global financial conspiracy involving former CEO Markus Braun (currently under arrest) and fugitive COO Jan Marsalek, who’s landed himself on Interpol’s most wanted list. The film ventures into territory that few documentarians have been willing or able to explore.
What makes “Spy Capital 2” particularly compelling is its access to key players. Telegraph investigative journalist Hayley Dixon shares her exhaustive two-year journey tracking Marsalek across multiple continents. Germany’s leading criminal profiler Susanne Grieger-Langer breaks down the psychology of everyone involved, while Gert-René Polli, former head of Austria’s BVT intelligence agency, offers surprisingly candid reflections on state security operations.
Perhaps the documentary’s most striking moment comes from Egisto Ott, the former BVT officer who’s been accused by Austrian media of being a Russian spy. Breaking years of public silence, Ott delivers a chilling on-camera declaration: “I am a spy, I was a spy, and will be a spy until I die.” It’s his first public appearance since the allegations surfaced – a significant scoop for the Westside team that adds genuine weight to the film’s revelations.
Adding even more credibility is Sergei Zhirnov, a former KGB agent who’s transitioned into international intelligence analysis. Zhirnov doesn’t just provide commentary throughout the film – he actually attended the Cannes premiere, spending considerable time discussing the documentary’s revelations with media and audience members about what these exposures mean for global intelligence operations.
Director Boris Volodarsky and executive producer Dennis Dewall clearly understood how to leverage their Cannes platform strategically. The duo secured major distribution deals for both theatrical and streaming releases during the festival. “Cannes has been a breakthrough for us twice now,” Dewall explained. “The exposure, the energy, and the seriousness with which our work is being received are invaluable.”
Now all attention turns toward the film’s Austrian homecoming. The Vienna premiere is scheduled for June 27, 2025, at Artis International on Schultergasse 5. The 256-seat venue will host a full red-carpet screening with nearly the entire cast and crew attending, plus special guests and VIPs. Doors open at noon, with complimentary popcorn and drinks for the first 50 attendees – all amid the expected flashing cameras and local fanfare.
Celebrity TV host Silvia Schneider, beloved for her work on “Silvia kocht” and her Vienna Opera Ball appearances, has confirmed she’ll squeeze the premiere into her already packed schedule. But here’s where things get really interesting – the after-party will take place aboard the majestic Imperator Train de Luxe, which happens to be one of the film’s actual shooting locations and serves as a perfect symbol of cinematic luxury.
For those holding exclusive access via spycapitalfilm.com/events, the evening promises a night filled with secrets, glamour, and unforgettable moments.
As “Spy Capital 2” prepares for its global rollout, one thing has become crystal clear: Westside Studios is no longer just an emerging voice in cinema. They’ve evolved into a bold force that’s willing to uncover what lies beneath the surface of power, finance, and international deception – and they’re doing it with the kind of cinematic flair that gets noticed at festivals like Cannes.
For those wanting to catch up before the sequel drops, the original “Spy Capital: Vienna” is still streaming. German and Austrian viewers can watch it on Amazon Prime Video, while audiences in the US and UK can find it here.
The world has definitely seen the poster. Now it’s time to see the truth.
