Press Release Tegernsee Incentive Award

22nd Tegernsee International Mountain Film Festival, 15 to 19 October 2025

New Incentive Award at the International Mountain Film Festival

Junior filmmakers have something to celebrate! For the first time, the Tegernsee International Mountain Film Festival, in partnership with Bavarian sports shoe manufacturer LOWA, is introducing the Tegernsee Incentive Award. This prestigious prize, endowed with €5,000, is open to aspiring filmmakers aged 26 and under. Submissions featuring project ideas will be accepted until 1 September 2025. 

Exciting news for young filmmakers: The Tegernsee International Mountain Film Festival, in collaboration with its main sponsor LOWA, is introducing the Tegernsee Incentive Award. This €5,000 junior filmmaker award is open to applicants aged 26 and under who are passionate about “showcasing Alpine culture” through their project. Festival Director Tom Dauer explains: “We are looking for films that explore the mountains from historical, political, social, ecological, cultural, or sporting perspectives.” 

Projects must be set in the Alps and adhere to a documentary approach, but creativity in execution is highly encouraged. Filmmakers can explore themes such as mountain nature and habitats, adventure and discovery travel, tourism, economy, artistic expression, or mountain sports—including climbing, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, ski touring, freeriding, kayaking, slacklining, and paragliding.

Applicants must submit a 10-page treatment outlining the theme, dramaturgy, protagonists, locations, film length, and artistic intent of the filmmakers. Additionally, a schedule and a financing plan are required. Ideally, a one-minute trailer complements the application dossier.  

The completed mountain film by a junior filmmaker will premiere in October 2026

Festival Director Tom Dauer is keen to support young filmmakers and hopes to bring them to Lake Tegernsee. “Everyone knows that filmmaking costs continue to rise. And while this subsidy can’t cover full production expenses, it serves as start-up capital and as a motivational boost,” he explains. “I’m thrilled that our long-time partner LOWA shares our commitment to nurturing emerging talent.”

The seasoned author and filmmaker moreover offers to personally support the award winner throughout their project. “A fresh perspective never hurts,” he notes. Dauer is currently immersed in work on his own mountain-related feature film.

The selected project—recognized for its compelling theme, originality, and level of commitment—will receive funding. A jury of experts will evaluate all submissions after the deadline; the winning project is to be showcased at the 22nd Tegernsee Mountain Film Festival. The award recipient will have until 30 June 2026, to complete the film, which will then premiere in October 2026 during the 23rd Tegernsee Mountain Film Festival.

Please note: The submission deadline for the new Tegernsee Incentive Award is 1 September 2025.

For more information, conditions and the registration form, please contact: Sonderbüro Bergfilm-Festival Tegernsee, Rathausplatz 1, D-83684 Tegernsee, Germany, Phone +49(0)8022-1801-27, bergfilm@tegernsee.de, www.bergfilm-tegernsee.de