Zurich: The dramatic story of Himalayan Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and the historic first ascent of Mount Everest will take centre stage at the Zurich Film Festival, with Jennifer Peedom’s upcoming film Tenzing selected as the opening-night attraction.
Starring Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe and Genden Phuntsok, the Apple Original Film will have its European premiere at the 22nd Zurich Film Festival on September 24. Hiddleston, Dafoe and director Jennifer Peedom are expected to attend the festival’s opening gala and present the film to audiences.
A story of courage and determination
Tenzing tells the true story of Tenzing Norgay, the celebrated Himalayan Sherpa who became one of the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Phuntsok plays Tenzing, while Hiddleston portrays New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and Dafoe plays expedition leader John Hunt. The film follows Tenzing as he joins the British expedition and works alongside Hillary in their attempt to conquer the world’s highest mountain.
The journey is portrayed as more than a battle against extreme altitude and treacherous terrain. The film also explores cultural tensions, personal ambitions and the extraordinary partnership that developed during the historic expedition.
Everest achievement brought to the screen
Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, an achievement that became one of the defining moments in the history of mountaineering.
Peedom’s film seeks to place Tenzing at the centre of that story, highlighting the Sherpa mountaineer’s determination and the sacrifices involved in reaching the summit.
The film is directed by Peedom, whose previous work includes acclaimed documentaries such as Sherpa and Mountain. The Zurich Film Festival has described Tenzing as a film about an extraordinary friendship and a man who overcame boundaries to make history.
Film matches festival’s ‘dream big’ theme
The choice of Tenzing as the opening film closely reflects this year’s Zurich Film Festival theme, ‘dream big’.
Festival chief executive Christian Jungen said the Everest story was a fitting choice because it shows how people can push beyond their perceived limits when they pursue an ambitious dream. He also highlighted the importance of respecting the local Sherpa community and the natural environment in understanding the historic ascent.
The film’s European premiere is expected to bring significant international attention to the festival, with both Hiddleston and Dafoe scheduled to appear alongside Peedom.
Release plans
Following its European premiere in Zurich, Tenzing is scheduled for release in selected cinemas from October 9. The film is then expected to become available on Apple TV from October 16.
The Zurich Film Festival will run from September 24 to October 4, with Tenzing opening its 22nd edition.
For audiences, the film offers an opportunity to revisit one of the world’s most famous mountaineering achievements through the perspective of the Sherpa climber whose contribution remains central to the story of Everest.