aau“When I first arrived on campus in Klagenfurt, I didn’t know who I’d become.” These opening words set the tone for the University of Klagenfurt’s new promotional film. At its heart is a student who guides viewers through her academic journey: discovering new passions, forging lifelong friendships, growing both personally and intellectually, and gathering experiences that academic transcripts alone simply can never fully capture. Alongside her story, the film offers insights into the institution itself, highlighting its leafy campus and enviable location in Carinthia. Filming took place over two and a half days in May 2026 across more than twelve locations on and off campus. Around 40 people appeared in front of the camera, while a six-member production team worked behind the scenes to bring the project to life.

A personal story
The University of Klagenfurt’s slogan, “Here, you’re not just a number”, is given a genuine face and voice in the video. Viewers follow the student Alsu Gabdullina through pivotal moments of her journey, from the Welcome Days and everyday lectures right through to graduation. Ultimately, the film explores a universal question: who do you become by the time you leave university? Alsu’s personal story reflects the experience of many students, capturing the diverse paths and opportunities that studying at Klagenfurt can unlock. While her individual experience drives the narrative, the film also highlights the university’s unique appeal as a higher education institution in Carinthia. Through student eyes, prospective applicants gain an authentic preview of campus life – defined by excellent student-to-staff ratios, an international atmosphere, outstanding degree programmes, and an ideal geographical setting.
It is no coincidence that the narrative feels so authentic. The story was crafted by Amela Ćuhara, who is currently completing her Master’s degree in “Media and Convergence Management” in Klagenfurt. Her own experiences as a student shaped the script, which was co-developed with the university’s Public Relations and Communications department (UNI Services).
“My degree is flexible”
Rather than relying on dry statistics, the video conveys its key messages through dynamic storytelling. “Whenever I need support, it’s there. Professors make time for me,” the protagonist notes. With an average ratio of 39 students per professor, accessible academic mentorship is a lived reality on campus.
Flexibility is another defining feature of academic life at Klagenfurt. The film highlights the university’s newly introduced Bachelor’s combination programmes, which allow students to pair a major subject with one or two minors chosen from a portfolio of over 50 options. This enables students to blend different disciplines and create an individual academic focus. “My studies are flexible. I can combine subjects and shape my own path,” the student sums up.
Life outside the lecture hall is portrayed as equally rich and varied. “Morning lectures, afternoon swims” is far more than a catchy phrase: Lake Wörthersee is just 960 steps away, making it possible to take a dip in its turquoise waters even between classes. The University Sports Institute (USI), with its climbing wall and gym, also offers a wide range of opportunities for students to stay active and pursue their sporting interests on campus.
The university’s location
Beyond the campus, the video highlights Carinthia’s broader appeal as a place to study. The region offers an excellent quality of life, a rich culinary and cultural scene, and a location that opens up countless opportunities for leisure and exploration. “New places are only a short drive away,” says the narrator. With Italy and Slovenia as neighbouring countries, a wealth of stunning destinations is within easy reach – both countries can be reached from Klagenfurt in around an hour by car.
This proximity to other countries is also reflected on campus. People from more than 100 nations study and work at the University of Klagenfurt. At the same time, the university’s global network of partner universities gives students the opportunity to gain international perspectives as part of their studies.
“Here, I flourished”
At the end, the story comes full circle: the protagonist is once again standing in front of the university’s main entrance – no longer as a fresher, but on the day of her graduation, in the very spot where commemorative photographs are traditionally taken. “Then, one day, I find myself standing where I started. But everything in me feels different. Here, I flourished.” With these words, the student looks back on her time at the University of Klagenfurt.
Two and a half days of filming, more than twelve locations
What appears almost natural and spontaneous in the two-minute video required considerable planning behind the scenes. Scenes were mapped out in detail, locations were selected, and a public call for extras attracted more than 30 applicants. Following a casting session and interviews, seven candidates were chosen: six extras, and Alsu Gabdullina in the lead role. Three academic staff members – Dmitri Blüschke, Isabell Koinig, and Hubert Zangl – also stepped in front of the camera, bringing the total cast to roughly 40 people. Overall responsibility for the production lay with a six-person team from Montenero and UNI Services.
The new image video debuted at the Autumn Soirée 2026 and is available in both German and English, in full-length and short-form versions. Going forward, the production will serve as a key element of social media campaigns targeting prospective students. From late October, it will also be screened as an advertisement at selected cinemas across Carinthia and Styria.
The University of Klagenfurt’s new promotional film
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