Film Tenzing revisits Everest climb through the Sherpa mountaineer’s life
Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom’s new film Tenzing seeks to present Tenzing Norgay as an equal partner in the 1953 Everest ascent rather than merely Edmund Hillary’s assistant. Made with input from Norgay’s son and Sherpa advisers, the film follows his life from childhood through the historic expedition.
A new film about Tenzing Norgay’s life aims to recast the 1953 ascent of Mount Everest as the achievement of an equal climbing partnership between Norgay and Edmund Hillary. Tenzing, directed and produced by Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom, explores Norgay’s childhood in the high Himalayas, his determination to climb Chomolungma and his struggle to overcome prejudice within the climbing world. The film was made with the support of Norgay’s son, Norbu Tenzing, who became an executive producer.
Peedom said Sherpa community members and cultural advisers helped shape the screenplay and production decisions. Norgay is portrayed by three actors at different stages of his life. The story follows him from a childhood spent herding yaks to his development as a mountaineer and his eventual participation in the British-led expedition.
Tom Hiddleston plays Hillary, while Willem Dafoe portrays expedition leader Colonel John Hunt. Hiddleston said he and Genden Phuntsok, who plays the older Norgay, trekked in Nepal before filming began. The production was shot at altitude in the Himalayas and in New Zealand, where Aoraki/Mount Cook stood in for Everest.
Peedom said the film was also intended as a tribute to Himalayan communities. Her previous work includes documentaries such as Mountain and Sherpa, produced after two decades working in the Himalayas and on Everest. Tenzing is scheduled for release in selected cinemas and on Apple TV+ on October 16.
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