INTERVIEW: Discovery scales heights of Everest in new ‘Sherpa’ documentary
As climbers gear up for another season on Mount Everest, memories of tough times on the top summit linger among the intrepid explorers of the Sherpa community who call the Himalayas home. On April 18, 2014, a deadly avalanche wreaked havoc on the climbing teams in and around Everest, leaving several people dead and a community of adventurers horrified.
Would the Everest mountaineering business and way of life ever be the same again?
Film crews had the cameras rolling during that 2014 climbing season. The original project by director Jennifer Peedom was to follow Phurba Tashi, a Sherpa who was gearing up for a record-setting 22nd ascent. Little did Peedom and her crew know that their story would switch to documenting the rescue and recovery efforts following the treacherous avalanche, which left 16 Sherpa dead.
The resulting film is Sherpa, which will air on Discovery as part of the network’s annual Elevation Weekend. Audience members can tune in Saturday, April 23 at 9 p.m. The documentary not only chronicles Sherpas and their unique way of life, but it also looks at the historic days of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the first to ascend Everest.
The Sherpas who scale the heights of Everest risk their lives every year for this unique profession, this unique calling. As they shuttle many westerners to the summit of the highest mountain on the planet, their livelihood and recognition are sometimes missing from headlines and the history books. They leave their families behind, rely on their collective strength and tradition, and hope to return safely.
John Smithson, a BAFTA award winner, produced Sherpa, and was also behind another popular mountaineering film, Touching the Void. Recently, he exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox. Questions and answers have been slightly edited.
What can viewers expect when they tune in to Sherpa?
It’s very different to other mountain adventure films. It’s powerful, emotional and thought-provoking.
Was it an emotional experience to hear the stories of these Sherpa and the tragedy on Mount Everest?
Very much so. They are a close knit community and not people who easily display emotions. So to see the emotional impact of a devastating tragedy, such as the one we cover in the film, really has an impact.
Discovery is rolling out the documentary to more than 200 countries. Why is it important to get this story out there?
The story of Everest from the Sherpa’s point of view is one that has not really been told. Yet they are performing an incredibly dangerous job that enables people to climb the mountain. Everyone connected with the film believes this is a story that needs to be heard.
What are some of the challenges of filming on Mount Everest and at the base?
There are a huge number of challenges — extreme weather, the risk of avalanche and the constant demands of filming at high altitude.
You also produced Touching the Void, which covers a somewhat similar subject matter. What is it about high-risk, adrenaline-pumping, sometimes deadly activities that get you interested as a producer?
Simply because [they] are very powerful stories. People taking considerable risks, at the very edge of physical and mental performance, makes compelling viewing.
Will the Everest community ever be the same after these recent tragedies?
I hope so. Sherpas are resilient; they have to be. The mountain is incredibly important to them, and I’m sure everyone hopes for a safe and successful climbing season on the mountain.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Sherpa airs on Discovery Channel Saturday, April 23 at 9 p.m. Click here for more information.
