Fehlbaum studied directing from 2002-2009 at the
University of Television and Film Munich. While there, he made several short films, music videos and worked as camera operator on documentary films. In 2011 Fehlbaum made his feature film debut with the bleak post-apocalyptic
horror film Hell, for which he also co-wrote the screenplay. The film starred
Hannah Herzsprung,
Angela Winkler and
Lars Eidinger in the lead roles. It has received numerous good reviews, especially for Fehlbaums ability to create a visually bright but atmospherically dark thriller with dense atmosphere. Fehlbaum won the
German Cinema New Talent Award at the
Munich Film Festival, where it had its world premiere and the Zurich Film Award both in the director category. In 2012 the film was nominated in six categories and won
Best Music at the
German Film Awards and two awards at the
Swiss Film Award. It also appeared in competition at the
Locarno International Film Festival and
Fantasporto. Fehlbaum also won the German
New Faces Award in 2012 and was listet in
Variety's 10 Euro directors to watch. In 2021 Fehlbaum's science-fiction thriller film
Tides premiered at the
Berlin International Film Festival in the
Berlinale Special section and subsequently won several awards, such as four
German Film Awards, as well as two
Bavarian Film Awards for
Best Director and
Best Cinematography.
Tides won the
RTS Audience Award and the
Best Production Design Award at the 20th edition of the
NIFFF. Reviews noted Fehlbaum's flair for striking mise en scene. In 2024, Fehlbaum co-wrote and directed
September 5, a film about
ABC Sports' coverage of the 1972
Munich massacre. He received several accolades, including a nomination the
Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, alongside Moritz Binder and Alex David. == Filmography ==