If you are interested in films that stay close to real life, this exhibition offers a rare chance to see a body of work that brings everyday situations into the direct spotlight. 

This September, Eye Filmmuseum presents Ulrich Seidl – Über das Leben, die Liebe un den Tod, being the first Dutch exhibition dedicated to the Austrian filmmaker, photographer and theatre maker. Opening on 8 September 2026, the exhibition dives deep into Seidl’s unsettling, intimate and painfully human universe, bringing together his early works, rarely seen material and new film pieces that mix documentary realism with staged fiction. 

Seidl’s work does not offer easy answers or display a polished version of life. Instead, he focuses on the people usually left outside the frame of mainstream cinema; lonely men, families searching for connection, individuals trying to create meaning in a world increasingly shaped by consumerism rather than community. Seidl focuses on everyday people and the quiet, uncomfortable details of their lives, forcing you to be confronted with your own judgements and assumptions. 

There is something deeply voyeuristic about Seidl’s work. His films place viewers uncomfortably close to their subjects, holding up in cramped living rooms, overly decorated interiors and painfully awkward silences that most people would normally turn a blind eye towards. His characters often stare directly into the camera, creating this strange feeling of observing them whilst also being observed yourself. Seidl often casts non-professional actors to play versions of themselves within their own homes and environments. The result is a body of work that carries a raw realism and strong emotional depth. 

Alongside the exhibition, Eye will present an extensive film programme featuring Seidl’s work, including several 35mm screenings from the museum’s collection. Seidl will also visit Amsterdam during the exhibition period for an artists talk, with additional Eye on Art events that explore his work and its lasting impact on contemporary cinema. 

Ulrich Seidl – Über das Leben, die Liebe und den Tod will open on 18 September 2026 at Eye Filmmuseum. More information is available via the Eye Filmmuseum website.