Vienna’s Elite Gather for ‘Spy Capital 2’ Red Carpet Premiere

Vienna proved once again why it’s called the world’s spy capital when it hosted the glittering premiere of “Spy Capital 2” this summer. The Artis International Cinema became ground zero for what turned into one of the city’s most exclusive entertainment events, drawing an impressive crowd of 220 guests from the worlds of film, politics, and international diplomacy.

The Austrian capital’s reputation as an espionage hub made it the perfect backdrop for this provocative sequel in the critically acclaimed docu-drama series. The premiere transformed what could have been a routine film screening into a high-stakes social event that perfectly captured the intrigue and sophistication associated with Vienna’s shadowy international reputation.

Under brilliant sunshine, the day kicked off at noon with a red carpet ceremony that set the tone for everything that followed. Yingying Wang‘s live saxophone performance created an enchanting atmosphere as the cinematic aura began building around the venue. The guest list read like a who’s who of European society and international intelligence circles, with high-profile attendees including key cast and crew members, press representatives, dignitaries, and notable figures from film, fashion, politics, and diplomacy.

Luxembourg’s Ambassador Jean Graff and members of the historic Habsburg-Lothringen family were among the diplomatic contingent, lending an air of old-world elegance to the proceedings. What really caught attention was the rare public appearance of former BVT officer Egisto Ott, who typically keeps a low profile but showed up with his wife, posed for photos, and even did interviews—a significant departure from his usual discretion.

The carefully orchestrated timing continued as a select group of VIPs arrived at 12:15 after a pre-reception at the nearby Hyatt Hotel, seamlessly joining the formal red carpet presentation. Producer Dennis Dewall took the stage at 12:50 to thank sponsors before introducing the main players: director and intelligence historian Boris Volodarsky, security experts Ott and Gert R. Polli, profiler Suzanne Grieger-Langer, and actresses Silvia Schneder and Maria Tischenko.

The 80-minute screening started promptly at 1:00 p.m. and ended to enthusiastic applause at 2:20 p.m. But the real intrigue continued aboard the opulent Majestic Imperator Train de Luxe, where 120 select guests enjoyed an afterparty on the vintage-style train. The early evening celebration featured sparkling drinks, elegant hors d’oeuvres, and what many described as a unique opportunity for intimate conversations with the film’s cast and creators—the kind of access that money can’t usually buy.

The train setting proved perfect for the kind of discreet conversations that Vienna’s intelligence community has always favored. Guests found themselves discussing not just the film’s artistic merits, but the real-world implications of the story it tells. This atmosphere of sophisticated intrigue set the stage for deeper conversations about the film’s most compelling figure.

The most fascinating aspect of the premiere centered on Dennis Dewall‘s dual role as both producer and the actor portraying Jan Marsalek, the enigmatic former Wirecard COO who remains one of Europe’s most wanted fugitives. In interviews throughout the day, Dewall revealed the extraordinary lengths he went to understand his subject, including actually speaking with Marsalek himself during production.

“Marsalek isn’t a classic villain,” Dewall explained to the assembled press. “He’s a chameleon, a puppet master. I didn’t just want to show who he was—I wanted to explore why he became that way.” His approach to the character went far beyond typical method acting, incorporating real research and genuine risk-taking that few productions would attempt.

The film’s authenticity comes from real locations and high-level expert interviews. Dewall’s team went so far as to film at Marsalek’s former Munich villa, though the production faced significant obstacles along the way. The producer-actor revealed he’d had direct contact with Marsalek’s alleged confidant, Stanislav Petlinsky, and that chilling phone call from a Portuguese number—a moment that’s actually depicted in the film.

The movie delves deep into Marsalek’s complex persona using authentic intelligence analysis and interviews with experts including profiler Suzanne Grieger-Langer and former KGB recruiter Sergei Zhirnov. “We’re not glorifying him,” Dewall stressed. “We’re asking questions. This isn’t propaganda; it’s provocation. Art must provoke.”

This commitment to provocation came at a significant cost. What makes this project particularly bold is its complete independence—no public funding meant total artistic freedom, but also significant legal and political risks. The team encountered what Dewall cryptically called “interesting inquiries” along the way, facing resistance and scrutiny that underscored just how sensitive this subject matter remains.

“Marsalek is a metaphor of our times,” he noted during the premiere discussions. “He’s global, invisible, and networked—he’s not a relic. He’s a prototype.” The film serves as a cinematic investigation into power, manipulation, and disinformation, though Dewall insists the audience must draw its own conclusions. “We show the mirrors. You decide what you see.”

The success of the Vienna premiere has already set wheels in motion for the franchise’s future. The Spy Capital series isn’t slowing down, with a third installment focusing on AI, cryptocurrency, and information warfare already in development. There’s also a new spy thriller feature film based on “The Black Book of Sexpionage” set to begin production this year, promising international talent and a focus on covert operations in our digital age.

As Dewall put it during the premiere: “This story isn’t over. It’s playing out every day—in new suits, new countries, and under new names. And we’ll be there to tell it.”

For those wanting to catch up before the sequel drops, the original “Spy Capital: Vienna” is still streaming. German and Austrian viewers can watch it on Amazon Prime Video, while audiences in the US and UK can find it here.

The Vienna premiere proved that sometimes reality truly is stranger than fiction, especially when the cameras are rolling in the world’s unofficial spy capital. The event will be remembered not just for its star-studded elegance, but for sparking conversations that cut to the heart of today’s geopolitical intrigue.