In 1986 Robert Schauer founded the “International Grazer Bergfilmfestival” in Graz, which received 64 submissions from 11 countries in its first year.
At this first festival, the “Kamera Alpin in Gold” prize was awarded in just two categories: “Mountaineering Documentaries” and “Topics about Climbing on Rock and Ice”, in addition to a Special Jury Prize.
At that time the films were presented to the audience in the Steiermarksaal of the Congress Graz, additionally there have already been special programs such as a spectacular climbing show under the highway bridge in Peggau.

At the third edition of the festival, the Schubertkino was added as festival location to the previous venue, the Congress Graz. In 1990, the tradition-steeped cinema in the heart of Graz's old town hosted a preliminary program for the first time.

The top climber and later known as Red Bull Air Race pilot Hannes Arch drew attention to the festival in 1992 with a spectacular action: He climbed over a 4m high pyramid in the shape of the festival trophy and then continued up the entire facade of the Steiermärkische Sparkasse.
Since 1992 the festival no longer takes place only every second year, but annually.

In 1995, the "Grand Prix Graz" was awarded for the first time as the main prize of the festival. At that time films could be submitted in four festival categories: "Alpine Documentaries", "Climbing on Rock and Ice", "Adventure Films" and "Environmental and Nature Films".

In the 20th year of its existence, the festival took place for the first time in the "Dom im Berg", a part of the tunnel system inside the Schloßberg of Graz.

In spring 2008 the Outdoor Fim Day was organized for the first time. In cooperation with the Helmut List Hall, film treasures from the festival's archive were brought to the big screen.

As part of Outdoor Film Day, American top climber Dean Potter visited Graz. Known for his wild solo ascents of high alpine routes, the climber was also an impassioned slackliner. When he balanced over a line stretched in the foyer of the Helmut List Hall, he was sure to get all the attention of the surprised visitors.

Over the years, the festival continued to develop, changing its name from “Internationales Grazer Bergfilmfestival” (International Mountain Film Festival Graz) to “Internationales Berg- und Abenteuerfestival Graz” (International Mountain and Adventure Festival Graz) before receiving its current name of “Mountainfilm Graz” in 2014.
At the same time, the trophy was also redesigned and has since then delighted the winners of the international film competition in its new design.

The challenging years of the pandemic were also very demanding for the festival team. The fall date of the 2020 edition had to be moved to spring 2021 due to the lockdown. This postponed festival was the first and only one to be held both online and with live audiences in the Kasematten at the Schloßberg and at Congress Graz.
The 2021 version of the festival could again take place in the autumn, as usual. This meant that there were even two editions of Mountainfilm Graz in 2021.

By now, around 300 films from up to 50 countries are submitted for screening every year in the four categories: “Alpinism & Expeditions”, “Sports in Mountains & Natural Environments”, “Nature & Environment”, and “People & Cultures”. The best are shown at Schubertkino and in the venues of Congress Graz. Every year there is a rich variety of additional programs and thrilling lectures by renowned people, which make the festival a unique experience.