FILM PROGRAMME

In 1969, the travel company Intersoc builds a private hotel with 600 beds in Disentis in eastern Switzerland, intended exclusively for Belgian guests. From the outset, the massive structure, which features prominently in the landscape, faces fierce criticism. Locals dub the Hotel Acla da Fontauna the “valley dam,” the “concrete block,” or simply the “Belgian hotel.” But for thousands of Belgians, it’s known affectionately as “onze Acla” (our Acla)—the place where they have spent their holidays across generations. The film tells the story of this hotel, which by now has been deserted for over 20 years. “Onze Acla” brings to life the era of the Belgians in Disentis—a unique chapter in the enduring love story between the Swiss and their Belgian guests.

Enormous silhouettes spiral weightlessly on mountain updrafts, rising high before releasing their prey from dizzying altitudes. Are they murdering innocent lambs—or even small children? Chilling legends once fuelled fear and led to the near extinction of the bearded vulture, a bird that is, in truth, completely harmless. One of the most fascinating creatures of the Alpine region, the bearded vulture feeds exclusively on bones, which it crushes in spectacular fashion. Its courtship and defence flights are nothing short of breathtaking. “Bearded Vultures – The Bone Eaters Are Coming” presents never-before-seen footage of this extraordinary species and documents its remarkable return to the Bavarian mountains.

“I know for sure that there is no way back for me,” said Wanda Rutkiewicz, one of the greatest female mountaineers in history. In 1992, she disappeared without a trace on 8,586-meter-high Kangchenjunga. Her body was never found. Director Eliza Kubarska sets out on a search for clues in the Himalayas and stumbles upon a mysterious audio diary. Using archive footage and interviews with mountaineering companions such as Reinhold Messner and Carlos Carsolio, the film reconstructs the life of a woman who made alpine history by conquering eight eight-thousanders. Yet questions remain: Is Wanda truly dead—or did she choose a life far removed from the world? A compelling portrait of a remarkable woman who, despite, or perhaps because of her great achievements, was always at odds with herself.

In November 2024, Austrian extreme climber Babsi Zangerl and her partner Jacopo Larcher set out to free climb the legendary Free Rider route (7c+) on El Capitan. Over three intense days, they battle their way across slick slabs, through punishing off-width cracks, and over complex bouldering sections. In a groundbreaking moment, Babsi becomes the first person ever to flash a route on El Capitan—climbing it free and on her very first attempt. Jacopo, her rope and life partner, falls just short. But the real story lies beyond success or failure. “Flashed” is a powerful portrait of love, partnership, and personality—capturing far more than a climbing milestone. The film will be featured as part of the Bayern2 Night.

Four adventurers embark on a 300-km odyssey through the icy waters of East Greenland to climb the pristine northwest face of the 1,200-metre-high Drøneren. They are not interested in success, but in the essence of adventure itself. With determination, they immerse themselves in a world where curiosity is the only compass. Every step on the frozen ground becomes a journey inwards—a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s place in the world. The visually stunning film is a reminder that the unknown still exists—ready to reveal itself to those brave enough to seek it. In 2023, Alesssandro Beltrame’s “Pionieri” was awarded Best Film in the category Mountain Experience.

“Merino Trails – A Journey to New Zealand’s Roots” follows two adventurous friends as they explore the untouched landscapes of New Zealand in search of the origins of merino wool used by European base layer brands. Along the way, they encounter farmers—both young and old—who live and work in harmony with their animals and nature. Through these encounters, the duo uncovers the tension between age-old farming traditions and the pressures of a global capitalist market—a paradox that shapes life even in the world’s most remote corners.

Madison is an athletic young girl with a fierce passion for cycling. But when an unfortunate incident forces her to leave her training camp, she ends up in the Tyrolean mountains—where her mother spends the holidays teaching yoga. It’s not the summer she imagined: unfamiliar terrain, new faces, and mountain bikes instead of sleek road bikes! Yet with her new friends Vicky and Jo, Madison dives into an unforgettable summer adventure. “Madison” is a refreshingly down-to-earth, high-energy film that celebrates the power of friendship and the joy of sport. Perfect for kids and families who love mountain escapades and heartfelt coming-of-age stories.

Alix von Melle and Luis Stitzinger shared 25 years together—both in life and on the mountain. Together, they summited six eight-thousanders. But when Luis tragically loses his life in a climbing accident on Kangchenjunga in May 2023, Alix’s world is upended. Her brother Philipp offers steadfast support, as does Austrian elite alpinist Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, who unexpectedly invites Alix to join her on a climb—even though they hardly know each other. The film follows Alix on what is probably her most challenging journey: finding her way back to life without her partner. “Mountains, Love, Death” will be screened as part of the 50th anniversary of the Bergauf-Bergab TV series. Alix von Melle will be in attendance.

A climber at the piano: When Alexander Huber isn’t tackling spectacular routes, he turns to his other great passion—music. He’s especially drawn to the so-called “Concerto Tirol” by American composer Philip Glass, and dreams of rehearsing and performing the piece live with a string quintet. Supporting him is Burkard Maria Weber, a cellist who aligns his musical devotion with a deep fascination for the mountains. The film captures how these seemingly contrasting worlds—mountaineering and classical music—come together in harmony. “High Art” will be screened as part of the 50th anniversary of the “Bergauf-Bergab” TV series, with Alexander Huber in attendance.

Few have captured the peril of a steep wall descent as powerfully as Gerhard Baur did in his 1988 short film “The Decision”. In it, seasoned alpinist Franz Seeberger ascends the east pillar of Piz Palü in the Bernina Range of the Alps—solo, skis strapped to his backpack. He pauses occasionally to survey the treacherous hanging glacier that flanks the pillar. His goal: to make the first ski descent on the east face all the way from the summit. The risk is immense, and Seeberger must make a critical choice. “The Decision” will be screened out of the festival competition as part of the 50th anniversary of the TV series “Bergauf-Bergab”.

Beneath the towering Pointe Percée, in the Prealps of southeastern France, Iris Pessey prepares for a unique challenge: to set a speed record on the mountain she’s cherished since childhood. Amid intense training and moments of self-doubt, she draws strength from her roots, her memories, and an unwavering determination. Narrated by her twin brother with warmth and wit, the film offers an intimate portrait of a remarkable woman caught between external expectations and her deep connection to a little-known peak. Her journey becomes a reflection on the pursuit of freedom—and what it truly means to reach the summit.

Four friends from Savoy embark on an extraordinary adventure: 50 days in complete isolation around Denali (6,190 m), the highest peak in North America. Their journey unfolds as a cinematic diary: trekking to the mountain’s base, climbing to the summit, navigating a demanding ski descent, and returning via packraft. In the solitude of wilderness, time and orientation begin to blur. Friendships deepen – and are also put to the test. Confronted by loneliness and the raw power of nature, “Les Jours Sauvages” becomes a celebration of freedom and exploration. It is an intimate reflection on living by nature’s rhythm—raw, honest, and profoundly moving.

The Mangfall Mountains, not far from the city limits of metropolitan Munich, have been shaped by human hands for over 3,000 years—yet they remain a sanctuary of natural wonder. Or perhaps precisely because of that? Today, extensively cultivated mountain regions often serve as vital refuges for endangered animal and plant species. Grouse still perform their courtship dances in sparse mountain forests, while centuries-old wet meadows offer a substitute for drained lowland moors. Regular grazing and mowing of alpine pastures creates habitats for plants and insects that have vanished elsewhere. A year in the life of the rare geranium argus butterfly vividly illustrates that sustainable land management is essential—not only for preserving cultural landscapes, but also for nurturing a new kind of wilderness.

“Besa”—a deep-rooted tradition of hospitality—is embedded in the Albanian mountain law known as the “kanun”. On a trekking tour around Lake Koman and the Drin River in northern Albania, Tine, Katharina, and Nicole explore this spirit firsthand. They follow an adventurous trail mapped out by South Tyrolean mountain guide Martin Plankensteiner, who developed the trail with help from local communities. Along the way, they bivouac beneath starry skies and push themselves to their limits. In Dukagjin, the three women from Munich encounter the region’s ancient culture up close. One particularly memorable host is Marjana Koçeku, a 24-year-old who grew up in Albania’s rugged mountains. Today, she runs a guesthouse and pursues her own vision of tourism done right.

Climbing fragile icicles, scaling alpine walls, sleeping in portaledges, and mastering big wall techniques—these are just some of the challenges on the agenda of the German Alpine Club’s expedition squad. For 25 years, this program has trained young alpinists to uphold and advance classic mountaineering. Among them is 22-year-old Luis Funk, who is transitioning from competitive climbing to the world of alpinism. The film follows Luis and his fellow climbers over the course of a year, from frozen waterfalls in South Tyrol to granite walls in Ticino and icy north faces in the Western Alps. At the heart of this school for extreme mountaineers dwells the expectation that they will assess risks accurately and take full personal responsibility—in short, everything that defines a well-rounded alpinist.

Hunting is both a passion and a family tradition for Silvana Stecher from the Swiss canton of Grisons. Each autumn, the 32-year-old mother of a five-year-old daughter spends days above the tree line, enduring considerable physical strain. As there is no hunting lodge, she sleeps outdoors, carrying everything she needs—food, a sleeping bag, and her rifle. Her motivation stems from a deep fascination with wildlife and the hope of shooting a chamois. While her father has given up his hunting license, her young daughter is already showing interest. It’s entirely possible that she will one day carry on the family legacy.

Climbing journalist Matt Groom journeys into war-torn Ukraine to uncover an extraordinary community bound by their passion for climbing and their deep love for their homeland. Despite destruction and a constant state of emergency, these climbers have carved out spaces of hope and solidarity. The film shows that although the war has changed everything—daily life, nature and sport—the spirit of the climbing community still endures. “Climbing Never Die” will be featured during the Bayern2 Night. This powerful and moving film was initiated by European and world speed climbing champion Danyil Boldyrev from Ukraine, who is expected to attend as a guest.

“Of a Lifetime” accompanies the legendary De Le Rue snowboarding family, Xavier (7-time world champion), his brother Victor (3-time world champion) and Xavier’s daughter Mila, on their first expedition. Together, they sail across the stormy Drake Passage into the icy wilderness of Antarctica—a place full of danger, but also fascinating beauty. Between penguin colonies, orcas and steep ice slopes, Mila takes on the challenge of big mountain freeriding. Personal diaries give insight into her world of thoughts as she overcomes fears and grows beyond herself. A rousing journey across generations – which culminates in more than just Mila’s 18th birthday.

In the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, young people from different communities discover a shared passion for skiing. Driven by this enthusiasm, dedicated coach Alishah Farhang organizes a ski race where boys and girls compete on homemade wooden skis, using rudimentary equipment. The event becomes a celebration of unity, joy, and athletic ambition. But following the Taliban’s takeover in 2022 and the collapse of their homeland, many of these young skiers become refugees and scatter across the globe. “Champions of the Golden Valley” is a moving story of sporting rivalry, universal hope, and what it means to be a true champion.

What is life—its values, its meaning, its wonder, its curses, its struggles, its beauty? “Goodlands” is a carefully composed kaleidoscope of stories: small, striking vignettes that merge into a rich, atmospheric whole. The film is a poetic tribute to Montenegro’s mountains, the people who inhabit them, and their quiet, profound world of thought. At its heart lies the ethos of mountain folk—their principles, dignity, resilience, and deep, almost spiritual bond with their rugged homeland. With quiet strength and visual grace, the film distils the essence of a simple yet profound existence—one that is firmly rooted beneath the stars.

Throughout her life, Hajar Faramazi—an elder of the Bakhtiari people in Iran’s Zagros Mountains—guided her flock through landscapes of breathtaking beauty. But today, urbanization, patriarchal constraints, and climate change threaten to strip away this freedom. The film follows her on one final, poignant journey. With tender cinematography and a haunting interplay of archival and contemporary footage, director Marjan Khosravi explores the fragile balancing act between tradition and modernity, resistance and adaptation. It’s a visual elegy for a woman whose yearning for freedom becomes a powerful reflection of an entire culture. Khosravi was honoured with the Otto Guggenbichler Young Talent Award in 2022 for “The Dream of a Horse”, and in 2024 received the Bayern2 Audience Award for “Mrs Iran’s Husband”.

Chris Rubens spent years living his dream as a professional freerider—heliskiing, traveling, and filming across the globe with large crews and piles of gear. But an expedition to Greenland with a climate researcher opens his eyes. No longer content to just talk about climate action, Chris decided to live it. He began reducing his carbon footprint, gave up flying, changed his diet, and became an organic farmer in Revelstoke, British Columbia. It’s a choice that deepened his connection to both nature and his community. As a father, Chris is driven by the desire to leave a better world for his son, Huxley. “Farming Turns” captures the radical transformation of a man—it is an honest and uncompromising film, yet never dogmatic.