Sherpa

Sherpa is a dynamic and engrossing documentary film that was directed by Jennifer Peedom in 2015. The film focuses on the aspirations, culture, and challenges faced by Sherpas, who hail from Nepal and are widely recognized for their high-altitude mountaineering skills and physical endurance. Their determination and resilience are pivotal for many of the international climbers who pursue the exhilarating, yet highly dangerous, dream of scaling Mount Everest. Through the experiences of Russell Brice, Tim Medvetz, and Pasang Tenzing Sherpa, the film offers a crucial perspective on the often overlooked human element that has become an essential part of the world of commercial mountaineering, commonly known as the “Sherpa Industry.”

Sherpa starts off with a look into the lives of the community these mountaineers come from, shedding light on their profound spiritual connection with the mountains, which they consider sacred. The film’s narrative quickly moves to the rapidly growing number of climbers making expeditions to Mount Everest, and the increased demand for Sherpas to lead the way. At the center of the story is the accomplished mountaineer, Russell Brice, owner of a commercial expedition company operating in the region, his fellow climber, Tim Medvetz, and a seasoned Sherpa guide, Pasang Tenzing Sherpa, who becomes the initial focus of the documentary. The movie was originally intended to document what the Everest climbing experience looked like from the Sherpa's perspective, but this direction was dramatically changed due to unforeseen events.

One of the central themes explored in the film is the ethical dilemma faced by the Sherpas. It examines the increasing pressure on them to take on high-risk roles for international mountaineers, often against the backdrop of their deep-seated cultural beliefs and practices. The film also delves into the struggles Sherpas face to maintain their false reputation of being cool-headed, reliable, and bomb-proof under pressure, perpetuated by the commercial climbing industry.

Using a combination of breathtaking cinematography and raw, intimate footage, Sherpa offers a fresh and revealing perspective on commercial mountaineering - an industry that has been built upon the risks and exploitation of these native mountaineers who often receive very little recognition and respect for their essential contribution. It also brings into sharp focus how a rapidly growing, market-driven tourism industry is not only irretrievably changing a traditional way of life but also posing serious risks on the Sherpas' future.

The movie continually concerns itself with revealing the tense dynamics between the Sherpas and the commercial climbing industry that heavily relies on their efforts yet rarely acknowledges their sacrifices. The lives of the international mountaineers are contrasted against the sacrificial heroism of the Sherpas; the friction between them is palpable throughout the film. The Sherpas also show immense grit and determination despite the immense physical and psychological challenges.

While Russell Brice and Tim Medvetz act as fascinating figures in this narrative, it can be argued that Mount Everest itself holds the title of the ever-looming character. The mountain is portrayed as both a divine entity in the Sherpa's spiritual beliefs and a behemoth to be conquered at any cost by mountaineers worldwide. The role of the commercial tourism industry here is critiqued through the lens of a Western-focused narrative that often tends to overlook, or flat out ignore, the Sherpa community's shared history, culture, and reverence for the mountain.

Sherpa is a riveting, eye-opening exploration of the daunting challenges and moral questions posed by the commercial mountaineering industry. Through the stories of Brice, Medvetz, and Tenzing Sherpa, it makes a powerful commentary on the cultural, ethical, and human cost of this extreme sport. The film is an intimate portrait of courage, resilience, and the human spirit that exists beyond the world’s highest peaks. It's a movie that respects its subjects enough to let them speak in their own words, and to let their actions speak louder than any commentary could. It's not merely a meditation on the climbing industry, but on the ability of the human spirit to endure in the face of extreme challenges and ongoing adversity. Just as importantly, it is a thoughtful and sensitive exploration of an often misunderstood community that will appeal to both dedicated fans of extreme mountaineering as well as those curious about one of the world’s most captivating geographical areas.