Sherpa Fundraiser Screening

Overview

In 2014, when high-altitude filmmaker and veteran climber Jennifer Peedom trekked to Everest, she was determined to shed light on the peak's under-sung heroes. The year prior, conflict had rocked the towering landmass, courtesy of a tussle between European hikers and the Sherpas the industry so heavily relies upon. Media coverage brought the battle to international attention, but Peedom wanted to delve deeper. Then disaster struck, forever changing the course of her film.

In Sherpa, the perilous work carried out by the titular figures is tinted with the tragedy of April 18, when a 14-million-ton block of ice crashed down onto the climbing route, killing 16 of their number. The documentary that results simply has to be seen to be believed, with stunning mountaintop cinematography combining with an empathetic look at the real costs of Nepal's lucrative drawcard.

After wowing audiences at film festivals around the world, the doco reaches Aussie cinemas on March 31 — however Kathmandu and Intrepid Travel are offering viewers a chance to get an early glimpse of this epic feature. All funds raised will go to the Australian Himalayan Foundation and Intrepid’s Namaste Nepal Appeal to help rebuild the country’s economy, infrastructure and tourism industry. Yes, this is a screening with a difference for a whole host of reasons.