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MENDITALK: WOP MENDI FILM AWARD 2026
Alishah Farhang
Alishah Farghang will receive the 2026 WOP Mendi Film Award. Having trained abroad and enjoyed a privileged upbringing, he decided to return to his homeland, Afghanistan, out of love and a commitment to his people. He returned with a dream: to turn the mountains and skiing into a means of promoting health, leisure, happiness and gender equality in a society that was depressed and weighed down by conflict. He brought a new way of living and experiencing life to the mountains of the countryside, and through them, to the people. However, the return of the Taliban forced him to flee the country with his family after being singled out for his “revolution”. Today he is a refugee, a number, almost anonymous in Europe. He is waiting to be able to return to his homeland to continue pursuing his dream. This award aims to pay tribute to those silent heroes who, even in the face of adversity, continue to imagine a better future for their community. Because there are people who leave their mark through the peaks they reach, and others through the lives they help to uplift. Alishah Farghang undoubtedly belongs to the latter group.
IN UNISON
France, 33 min
Director: Davina & Sébastien Montaz-Rosset
INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
One story, two destinies... A virtuoso pianist and cellist, Arthur chose the dizzying heights of great rock faces over concert stages, pushing the boundaries of modern climbing and mountaineering. His twin brother Alexandre, a talented climber who remained in Paris, followed a different path, gradually drawing their worlds apart. Until one slightly crazy dream: to climb an iconic summit together and let their cellos resonate there. High above, music and mountains bring their paths together again and renew the bond of brotherhood.
NANGA PARBAT - ECHOES OF SISYPHUS
Germany , Spain , France , Pakistan, 50 min
Director: Tom Dauer
NATIONAL PREMIERE
David Göttler has found himself on his first winter expedition (2013/2014) to an eight-thousand-meter peak invited by the older and more experienced climber, Simone Moro. The goal is the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat, the highest wall in the world. They are traveling expedition-style, installing fixed ropes and setting up high-altitude camps, until David sets out alone and reaches an altitude of 7,200 meters. “That opened my eyes—everything can be done more easily, faster, and more effectively.” Breaking with the traditional style of ascent is David’s first step on his own path.
