Educational Media Reviews Online

Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest intertwines a compelling narrative with well-executed cinematography to convey the age-old theme of triumphing over adversity. The film documents Pasang Lhamu Sherpa and her journey to become the first Nepalese woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. With each attempt, Pasang faces physical, geographical, and societal barriers that, with the support of her family and community, she is eventually able to overcome. Interviews with Pasang’s family, friends, and colleagues show that she had set out to conquer more than Everest; her ultimate goal was to address the disparities between women and men in Nepalese culture.

The quality of Pasang reflects a passion among the film’s crew. Each choice made in direction and editing is deliberate, leading to a cohesiveness between the film’s content and presentation. For example, the film alternates between interviews, archival footage, and visual aids based on the topic of discussion. This helps viewers to better contextualize the dialogue while still being immersed in the story. In addition, the film’s scoring helps to portray the emotions of its content, both in sound and silence. None of these choices distract from the film’s main message, but instead work towards informing and inspiring viewers.

Pasang offers a universal appeal that allows it to fit into most film collections. In particular, institutions with an interest in women’s history and gender studies would benefit from making this film a part of their collection.

This film is highly recommended, as it expertly conveys the struggles and successes of one woman and her never-ending climb towards gender equality.

Awards:
Charlie Fowler Best Adventure Film, Mountainfilm Festival; Honorable Mention, Jury Award, Documentary Feature, Bentonville Film Festival; Audience Award, AICEF Prize for Cross-Cultural Filmmaking, Clio Visualizing History Prize for the Advancement of Women in Film, Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival; Audience Award, Nevada City Film Festival; Audience Award, Best Film of Festival, BendFilm Festival; Best Film - Mountain Culture, Banff Centre Mountain Film & Book Festival; Best Spirit Award, Coast Film and Music Festival; Best Mountain Film, Kendal Mountain Festival; Best Mountain Culture & Nature Film, BBK Mendi Film Festival; Best Mountaineering Film, Festival Gorniskega Filma; Jury Special Mention, Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival; Best Feature Wild Spirit Award, New York Wild Film Festival; Mario Bello Award CCC - Club Alpino Italiano, Trento Film Festival

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