“The Volunteers: Mountain Rescue Bring Us Home,” a documentary on mountain heroes, was screened at the Harold B. Lee Library on Feb. 27.
Sponsored by BYU’s Global Environmental Studies program, the screening highlighted the film about two mountain rescue groups united in their mission to save lives. It was followed by a Q&A session where the audience asked the filmmakers questions. The panel included Mark S. Weiner, co-creator and producer of the film.
Mountain Rescue, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization, operates in both Seattle and Austria.
The documentary explored their shared purpose and the historic connection between these two groups, despite being on opposite sides of the world.
Before the screening, Weiner explained the two rescue organizations are connected by more than just their name and mission.
“The film is a philosophical essay — an exploration more than just a film,” Weiner said. “The relationship between these two groups of heroes is one of spirit, working together in their communities to save.”
“The Volunteers” is available in three versions and has been picked up for distribution through PBS. It is also being featured in film festivals across Europe and the U.S., including the 2025 Zions Indie Film Fest.
Jesse Clark, a BYU student who attended the screening, found the film compelling.
“It’s really fascinating that two groups, separated geographically and politically, could have the same selfless purpose,” Clark said.
The historical connection between the Seattle and Austrian rescue groups was unknown before the film’s development.
“We uncovered it through our research and in telling their story, we brought a historical consciousness that finally bound these two groups together,” Weiner said.
BYU humanities and environmental studies professor George Handley, a longtime friend of Weiner, helped bring the documentary to campus.
“I thought the film would resonate well with BYU, because it reflects many values we study in our humanities courses and those our students hold themselves,” Handley said.
Weiner emphasized the film’s broader message — understanding the true meaning of “mountain rescue” and what these heroes can teach us about working together to build and support our communities.