Film festivals aren’t adverse to change. Over the years, we’ve seen prestigious events from around the world move from analog to digital. For this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, organizers have announced IMAX presentations of Alfonso Cuaron‘s “Gravity,” Keanu Reeves‘ “Man Of Tai Chi,” “Metallica Through The Never” and even the classic “The Wizard Of Oz,” which will also be in 3D. And while it won’t be utilizing IMAX, another movie promising an epic visual scale, presented in 3D, will be the documentary “Beyond The Edge.” And we’re glad to unveil the exclusive trailer to give you a taste of the big screen vistas that you’ll be treated to at Toronto.
Director Leanne Pooley, whose 2009 documentary “Topp Twins” landed the coveted People’s Choice Documentary Award at TIFF in 2009, is at the helm for this film that uses 3D technology, rarely seen footage and archival interviews, to recreate as closely as possible Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s journey up Mt. Everest in 1953. Here’s the official synopsis:
Mount Everest. It’s synonymous with the impossible. Director Leanne Pooley (whose Topp Twins won the People’s Choice Documentary Award at the Festival in 2009) transports the viewer back in time sixty years to the foot of that seemingly unconquerable mountain, and recreates an incredible journey to the top.
While many know that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first men to stand on the summit, few know howit happened. Using rarely seen footage, and no narration other than the words of the expedition members themselves — culled from hours of archival interviews — Pooley recreates the conditions (including what seems now to be only the most rudimentary equipment), the relationships, and the socio-historical context of the undertaking that had much of the world holding its breath. The film takes us, step by exhilarating step, as Hillary and Tenzing battle upwards — illustrating their setbacks, their small victories, and the remarkable strength of their bond. Although the pair was not expected to be the first team at the summit, the film probes the psyches of the two men and invites the viewer to ponder what made them triumphant over that most formidable antagonist, Everest.
On this sixieth anniversary of the conquest of the world’s highest mountain, it seems fitting that 3D technology is available to provide for complete viewer engagement. It allows us to walk it, breathe it, and make Everest our own. Even though we know the ending of the story, we are amazed and thrilled and inspired by how it unfolds.
The film will have its first screening at TIFF on Friday, September 6th and will be seeking distribution. Watch below.