Filming the world, preserving its soul
Between Passion, Responsibility, and Creativity
There are moments in life that take your breath away—and at the same time, realign your inner compass. One of those moments for me was standing on a mountain peak at dawn, looking out over a sea of clouds that stretched like an endless blanket across the valley. Another was when I accompanied a crystal seeker in the Alps, who spoke with shining eyes about his life in the mountains.
Moments like these are not only a source of inspiration but also an invitation—to share the world with others, and to help preserve it.
As a so-called travel filmmaker, I have the privilege of capturing the beauty and stories of our planet. But with that privilege comes responsibility. Our Earth is not just a backdrop for breathtaking images; it is a fragile home we must protect. That awareness also shapes the broader part of my work.
From Reportages to Summit Moments: Finding Balance for the Soul
I come from a journalistic background and still work primarily on socially, politically, and culturally relevant topics for public broadcasting. My reports and documentaries deal with the injustices and challenges of our time—a profession that often demands deep research and can sometimes be emotionally exhausting. Early on, I realized that I needed balance within my work to maintain my inner equilibrium.
That balance became the storytelling of nature, adventure, and human experiences—stories that don’t just inform, but inspire. For over 20 years, I’ve traveled through both familiar and entirely new worlds. Sometimes I accompany mountaineers to 4,000-meter peaks; other times, I film the traditional lives of indigenous peoples. Again and again, I’ve found myself thinking: “I’d do this even if I weren’t being paid.” (Pssst, don’t tell anyone 😉)
Yet behind the camera that captures these seemingly effortless images lies hard work. What may look like a dream adventure is, in reality, a demanding and intense profession that requires planning, creativity, team-work and dedication—and, much like social documentaries, it also demands care and objective distance.
Such as....
Summit-Love
Documentary awarded in Terres Travel Festival 2025
Daniela and Robert Jasper are Germany’s best and most famous mountaineering couple. Daniela und Robert from the southern Black Forest have mastered spectacularly difficult routes, particularly on the north face of the Eiger. Mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner speaks highly of the Jasper couple. Daniela and Robert have been together for 30 years. “A typical mountaineering relationship,” says Daniela, “it’s constantly up and down.”
The film “Summit-Love” follows the courageous couple as they attempt an adventurous first ascent of the north face of the Eiger and sheds light on the various stages of their marriage: serious accidents, crises, arguments and top alpine achievements.
Authenticity and Responsibility: Striking a Balance
For me, authenticity is at the heart of storytelling. With a background in journalism, maintaining a neutral and honest perspective is crucial. I don’t want to present an idealized or distorted version of reality, but real people and their stories—with all their highs and lows. Because that’s where the true beauty and depth of life lie.
However, it would be misleading to romanticize travel and filmmaking without acknowledging their darker sides. Climate change and environmental destruction are omnipresent, and as a travel filmmaker, I bear responsibility. How can I document a world that I myself impact through travel? This question is always with me. That’s why I strive to make my work as sustainable as possible: I plan my trips carefully, collaborate closely with local communities, and offset my CO₂ footprint whenever I can.
Storytelling: The Art of Touching Hearts
Ultimately, filmmaking is a creative quest for me. It’s about more than beautiful imagery—it’s about stories that move people, make them think, and maybe even inspire them to act. Nature, mountains, and people are not just subjects in my films—they are the protagonists. They tell stories of vulnerability and strength, of harmony and conflict. And as a filmmaker, I have the privilege of telling these stories in ways that stay with people long after the screen goes dark.
Looking Ahead
I’m grateful to be part of the Born to be a Travel Filmmaker network. It’s a chance to exchange ideas with like-minded creators, to learn from one another, and to pursue a shared vision: telling stories that not only captivate but also convey responsibility and respect for our world.