Esther Rauch is an Austrian film director and screenwriter. She studied directing at the Filmakademie Wien / University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna with additional studies in Scriptwriting for Film and Television at the National Film and Television School UK.

Her work spans television films and series, with a particular interest in emotionally grounded stories that explore human relationships, social dynamics, and psychological depth with a focus on contemporary drama.

Both Rauch’s writing and directing style is marked by a sensitive approach to performance and atmosphere, combining realism with a cinematic clarity that supports strong, character-led narratives.

She is particularly drawn to stories that engage with contemporary social questions and questions of belonging, often working at the intersection of genre and grounded drama.

Her projects reflect a commitment to nuanced storytelling, strong female perspectives, and emotionally authentic characters.

Esther Rauch has directed and co-written several television productions, including the drama/thriller series Schnee (2023), the comedy series Wischen ist Macht (2020), and the ZDFneo series Bauchgefühl (2024) which she developed as a creator. In 2024, she directed the television film Ohne jede Spur – Der Fall der Nathalie B.

In 2025 she co-wrote and directed the film Neues Land, which premiered at the Munich Film Festival. It explores themes of identity, transition, and the impact of historical and social change.

Esther Rauch lives in Vienna.