Discovery Film to Spotlight 2014 Mount Everest Tragedy

SILVER SPRING: Next month, Discovery Channel is due to debut Sherpa, a film focused on the massive avalanche that killed 16 Sherpas on Mount Everest on April 18, 2014.

Sherpas are the local people who help foreign climbers reach the top of Mount Everest. Sherpa will look at how the Sherpa community united in grief and anger to reclaim the mountain after the devastating natural disaster. The BAFTA-nominated film also explores the history of climbing on Everest and the Sherpa culture. It is directed by Jennifer Peedom (Miracle on Everest) and produced by Bridget Ikin and John Smithson (Touching the Void).

Sherpa, a Felix Media and Arrow Media production, is presented by Universal Pictures and Screen Australia in association with Discovery. It will premiere on April 23 at 9 p.m. as part of the network’s Elevation Weekend, which features programming focused on men and women attempting to conquer the elements. The block will also include the 2015 doc Valley Uprising, as well as re-broadcasts of North America and Dual Survival.

“I’ve always been interested in the Sherpas,” remarked Peedom. “I find the interrelationship between the expedition clients that come to climb Mt. Everest, and the Sherpas who don’t understand their dream fascinating. And for whatever reason that’s drawn me back here yet again.”