FILM PROGRAMME

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.

Max Kroneck, Joi Hoffmann, Silvia Moser, and Loïc Isliker set off on a unique freeride adventure—traversing Eastern Europe on skis and public transport. Their quest is twofold: to carve untouched descents and to connect with local freeriders, who guide them through their mountains. The journey leads them through unfamiliar landscapes, far from the bustle of traditional ski resorts. Along the way, they navigate cultural quirks, break through language barriers, and cope with unpredictable weather. What they discover goes beyond powder and peaks—it’s a tapestry of stories, human connection, and a sense of intimacy found far from home. “Going East” is a film that celebrates the art of slowing down—and thereby a style of travel that defies the frantic inertia of modern life.

While permafrost melts and the “eternal ice” vanishes, tourism is booming. Slope operations, glacier lifts, artificial snow, and drastic interventions in the landscape testify to a race against time. “Requiem in White” is a haunting tribute to the glaciers we’re losing. Through evocative imagery and candid interviews, director Harry Putz lends emotional weight to scientific facts. Filmed across 13 glaciers in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, the film poses a pressing question: How do we face the final farewell from these singular landscapes—and what does that reveal about us? In 2023, Putz’s “Bis zum leeren Tropfen” won Best Film in the category Mountain Nature.

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.

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.

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.

Seven long-time friends set off for a relaxing hut weekend in the mountains. But difficulties arise from the start—the lift is broken. Once at the top, the next shock follows: Three strangers have taken up residence in the hut and refuse to leave. What was supposed to be a break from everyday life becomes a war of nerve attrition between claims to ownership, group dynamics and personal conflicts. Old friendships begin to falter, fears for the future become apparent—and when a hunting rifle suddenly appears, the mood deteriorates completely. With black humour this bitter comedy tells of a generation that is looking for solidity where everything is in flux. Because: nothing is fixed. With Maximilian Brückner, Brigitte Hobmeier, Julia Koschitz et al.

The new feature film from the creators of “Streif – One Hell of a Ride” is set to celebrate its German premiere in Tegernsee. Over the course of a year, through summer and winter, the film crew followed world-class athletes Marco Odermatt, Cyprien Sarrazin, Dominik Paris, Vincent Kriechmayr, and Justin Murisier—capturing their training, preparation, and competitions. Usually, these elite skiers are approachable, relaxed, and grounded. But as Aleksander Aamodt Kilde puts it, “In the start house of Bormio, Wengen, or Kitzbühel—we become warriors.” Racing down steep, icy terrain at 140 km/h demands extraordinary skill, peak physical condition, and mental fortitude. The film’s climax unfolds at the 48th World Ski Championships in 2025 in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Since festival director Tom Dauer wrote and directed the film, it will be screened outside of the competition.

The new feature film from the creators of “Streif – One Hell of a Ride” is set to celebrate its German premiere in Tegernsee. Over the course of a year, through summer and winter, the film crew followed world-class athletes Marco Odermatt, Cyprien Sarrazin, Dominik Paris, Vincent Kriechmayr, and Justin Murisier—capturing their training, preparation, and competitions. Usually, these elite skiers are approachable, relaxed, and grounded. But as Aleksander Aamodt Kilde puts it, “In the start house of Bormio, Wengen, or Kitzbühel—we become warriors.” Racing down steep, icy terrain at 140 km/h demands extraordinary skill, peak physical condition, and mental fortitude. The film’s climax unfolds at the 48th World Ski Championships in 2025 in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Since festival director Tom Dauer wrote and directed the film, it will be screened outside of the competition.