Sherpa

— A look at Himalayan Sherpas whose skills make it possible for a growing number of climbers to reach the summit of Everest. What was once a small number of climbers challenging the mountain has become an industry attracting crowds with the Sherpas assuming a great amount of the risk in exchange for financial reward. The documentary includes a bit of history in addition to looking at the current situation from the Sherpas’ point of view, made even more poignant when sixteen Sherpas were killed at the Khumbu Icefall during production, creating a clash between the Sherpas and westerners. This is a beautiful film reminding us of the toll tourism can take on indigenous people. (Shown at True/False Film Fest 2016.)

---

[2015. 96 min. Written and directed by Jennifer Peedom.]
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/16/toronto-film-festival-sherpa-director-everest-documentary-jennifer-peedom