Sherpa
A fight on Everest? It seemed incredible. But in 2013 news channels around the world reported an ugly brawl at 21,000ft as European climbers fled a mob of angry Sherpas.
In 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay had reached the summit in a spirit of co-operation and brave optimism. Now climbers and Sherpas were trading insults – even blows. What had happened to the happy, smiling Sherpas and their dedication in getting foreigners to the top of the mountain they hold so sacred?
Determined to explore what was going on, the filmmakers set out to make a film of the 2014 Everest climbing season, from the Sherpas’ point of view.
Instead, they captured a tragedy that would change Everest forever.
At 6.45am on 18th April, 2014, a 14 million ton block of ice crashed down onto the climbing route through the Khumbu Icefall, killing 16 Sherpas. It was the worst tragedy in the history of Everest.
The disaster provoked a drastic reappraisal about the role of the Sherpas in the Everest industry. Sherpa , tells the story of how, in the face of fierce opposition, the Sherpas united in grief and anger to reclaim the mountain they call Chomolungma.
Sherpa is in cinemas nationally March 31st.
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Feedback/Comments
Great to see different perspectives and particularly the Sherpa's resistance and fight for justice.
so captivating. had me on edge of my seat wondering what will happen next
Rhis was a very interesting documentary film, I have never thought of the roll that the Sherpa plays on a expedition. Great movie, it was a movie that left you thinking.
A very interesting doco from the Sherpa point of view. It is very current and explains that for the last two years expeditions on Everest have been cancelled. The doco shows that money is more important that the lives of the Sherpas and finally the Sherpas are fighting back. There were times during the movie that the story was a little slow but overall it was gripping and ultimately showed a viewpoint that we never see. Also Everest is now a major tourist operation where the not so capable can buy achievement at the expense of others. It is worth seeing.
A new perspective on the climbing of Everest, showing the sacrifices and contributions by the Sherpa people. Breath-taking scenery, some jarring examples of sense of entitlement from some prospective fee paying climbers, real life tragedy and conflict makes for a poignant and thought provoking film.
This documentary film is both fascinating and thought provoking. It elicits a range of emotions from awe at the majestic scenery, empathy and compassion for the Sherpa's loved ones who nervously await their safe arrival home climb to serious contempt for the climbing agencies and the Nepalese Government, both of which exploit the Sherpas for their own financial ends. Accordingly, one could only cheer at the Sherpas "unionising" themselves to gain a stronger voice for safer and better working conditions. I left the cinema heartened by that but still knowing that regardless of those improvement,s deaths will continue to occur, families will continue losing a father and breadwinner, and the mountain will continue to be polluted.