24/E1: Eröffnung BFF 2024

**Official Opening of the 30th Mountain Film Festival with Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, attended by the film team of *THE VOLUNTEERS* from Austria and the USA.**

Austrian top mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner will reflect on 30 years of mountaineering and 30 years of the Mountain Film Festival in her opening speech. Following her remarks, we are excited to present the European premiere of *THE VOLUNTEERS – COMING HOME WITH MOUNTAIN RESCUE*. This international documentary tells the story of two mountain rescue organizations in the USA and Tyrol, and explores their surprising historical connections. Together with the film's protagonists, directors Marc Weiner and David Ritsher reflect on the significance of volunteer work: “In times of conflict and unrest, we wanted to convey a constructive, unifying civic message.” We share this sentiment and look forward to engaging personal encounters!

The opening speech will be delivered by mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, who has been a guest at the *Adventure Mountain – Adventure Film* festival multiple times.