Home / Arts and Entertainment / Everest Ascent Film Opens Zurich Fest
Everest Ascent Film Opens Zurich Fest
25 Aug
Summary
- Tenzing film opens Zurich Film Festival on September 24.
- Movie portrays Tenzing Norgay's historic 1953 Everest climb.
- Stars Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe to attend premiere.
The 22nd Zurich Film Festival will open on September 24 with the European premiere of "Tenzing," an Apple Original film. Directed by Jennifer Peedom, the movie recounts the historic 1953 ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.
The film stars Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay and Tom Hiddleston as Edmund Hillary, with Willem Dafoe portraying Colonel John Hunt. It explores Tenzing's perspective on Everest as a sacred entity, contrasting with the Western ambition to conquer it. The narrative delves into themes of origin, class, and conflicting aspirations.
Hiddleston and Dafoe are scheduled to attend the premiere in Zurich. Festival director Christian Jungen highlighted the film's alignment with the festival's motto, "dream big," emphasizing its powerful emotions, stunning mountain scenery, and a vital message about respecting indigenous cultures and nature, which was crucial for the first Everest success. The Zurich Film Festival runs from September 24 to October 4, 2026.
