Studied directing at Film and Television Department of University for Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. Graduated with Distinction from Michael Haneke’s Master Class. 

1999 awarded Max Ophüls Prize for her short film Gfrasta.

Invited to Official Selection of Cannes Film Festival four times, participating in 2001 Cinéfondation section with Null Defizit; in 2003 Un Certain Regard section debuting Mader’s first feature film Struggle; in 2005 Tous les Cinémas du Monde section with Gfrasta; and in 2007 presenting her screenplay Serviam – Ich will dienen in the L’Atelier series.

In 2012 Mader’s film What Is Love premiered in the Forum section of the Berlin International Film Festival. 

Numerous international awards include the International Critics’ Prize (FIPRESCI Prize) and a nomination for Cannes’ Caméra d’Or.

In 2017, her feature film Life Guidance celebrates its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, competing in the Giornate degli Autori section.

Filmography

Life Guidance (Futuristic Thriller, 2017)

What is Love (Documentary, 2012)

Serviam (Thriller, screenplay, 2007) 

Struggle (Feature, 2003)

Null Defizit (Short Film, 2001)

Gfrasta (Short Film, 1998)

Ready For What (Documentary, 1997)

Kilometer 123,5 (Short Film, 1994)

Endstation Obdachlos (Documentary, 1992)