Birth name

Ernst Wilhelm Wenders is his birth name; "Wim" is the familiar Dutch/German short form he uses professionally (filmportal.de; IMDb bio). Wenders is the family surname.

New German Cinema to international art film

Wenders was a leading figure of New German Cinema with road films such as Alice in the Cities and Kings of the Road, then won the Palme d'Or for Paris, Texas (1984) and wide acclaim for Der Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire, 1987). Later work includes Buena Vista Social Club, Pina, and narrative features into the 2010s–2020s (filmportal.de).

He remains active as a director and photographer. This page uses public career facts only.

Paris, Texas Blu-ray (Criterion) Wings of Desire Blu-ray Buena Vista Social Club DVD/Blu-ray

Why the "real name" question matters

Search interest in a celebrity's "real name" usually means one of three things: a shortened everyday form (Tom for Thomas, Dave for David), a middle name used as a stage handle (Drake-style), or a true legal/professional change after immigration or branding. This sprint page states which case applies, cites library or encyclopedia authorities where possible, and avoids gossip. Career sections stay high-level and sourced so Domain Bot can add internal/external links without rewriting the biography. Living subjects are limited to public facts; memorials avoid graphic detail.