Apple TV’s new film Tenzing tells the story of Tenzing Norgay, the Nepali-Indian Sherpa who made the first ascent of Mount Everest alongside Edmund Hillary in 1953. Directed by Jennifer Peedom, the film shifts focus from the British-funded expedition to Tenzing’s role and origin story.
To capture the extreme alpine conditions of the historic climb, the crew filmed in sub-zero temperatures across Nepal and New Zealand. They avoided green screens and studio sets, opting for real glaciers, rock walls, and crevasses.
From Nepal’s Lower Mustang to New Zealand’s Southern Alps
The production team scouted locations in Nepal to portray Tenzing’s early life on the Tibetan Plateau. They chose the Lower Mustang region and the ancient village of Dangarjong for their authentic feel. Cinematographer Stefan Duscio noted, “The geology there just feels ancient.”
For the high-altitude alpine sequences, the crew moved to the Southern Alps of New Zealand. This decision was driven by safety concerns and the lower elevation of the New Zealand peaks, eliminating the need for supplemental oxygen.
The Aoraki region, also known as Mount Cook, was chosen for its extensive glaciers and icefalls. The Darwin Icefall served as a stand-in for the Khumbu Icefall. Despite temperatures dropping to -25°C, the crew captured treacherous climbing footage.
The film highlights the cultural significance of Tenzing and Hillary’s partnership. Tenzing revered Everest as a sacred mother goddess, while Hillary, a national hero in New Zealand, trained in the mountains where parts of the film were shot.
Authenticity and Challenges on Set
The production enlisted 12 Sherpa climbers with a collective 65-plus Everest summits. Their expertise ensured the film’s authenticity and safety. One demanding sequence involved recreating Hillary’s fall into a crevasse, requiring safety lines for the actors.
Filming in Nepal meant honoring a national hero. “Tenzing’s a national hero over there, and he looms large,” Duscio said. The crew received special permission to film at Everest Base Camp outside the climbing season, using drones and helicopters to capture the environment.
The film’s commitment to authenticity extended to casting. Genden Phuntsok, who plays Tenzing, had never climbed a mountain before being cast. His performance, alongside Tom Hiddleston as Hillary, showcases the physical and emotional demands of the historic climb.
Filming in the homelands of both climbers added depth to the production. “There were just so many beautiful moments of synchronicity where you could feel the heritage of Tenzing and Hillary blessing our film,” says Duscio.
Recreating Iconic Climbs
The film recreates iconic moments from the 1953 expedition, including Hillary’s fall into a crevasse and the final summit push. These sequences were filmed in The Remarkables mountain range and Malte Brun Pass, New Zealand, chosen for its high ridgelines and dramatic ice faces. The Hillary Step, a 40-foot vertical rock face on Everest’s southeast ridge, was replicated here, with Tom Hiddleston and Genden Phuntsok performing stunts while anchored by safety lines.
Duscio described the experience as “vertigo-inducing” due to the extreme heights and challenging conditions. “It was tough… but we were safe,” says Duscio. “The struggle was real, though.”
Honoring a Legacy
Director Jennifer Peedom emphasized this shift in her statement, noting that her two decades in the Himalayas shaped her understanding of mountaineering’s human side. Her documentary, Sherpa, laid the groundwork by focusing on Himalayan guides’ contributions.
The production’s commitment to authenticity and cultural respect is evident in every aspect, from casting Genden Phuntsok to involving Sherpa climbers and selecting filming locations. This attention ensures the film educates as well as entertains, highlighting the contributions of climbers like Tenzing Norgay.
The film concludes by celebrating the mutual respect and trust between Tenzing and Hillary, a bond that transcended boundaries. Their ascent highlights the power of collaboration and the spirit of exploration.
Behind the Scenes with the Filmmakers and Climbers
The production team worked closely with experienced mountaineers to ensure safety and authenticity. Veteran New Zealand mountaineer Guy Cotter, a 25-year Everest expedition leader, served as mountain safety supervisor. Cotter, who was part of the first commercially guided Everest expedition in 1992, brought invaluable expertise to the set.
Casting played a key role in capturing the essence of the story. Genden Phuntsok, despite having no prior climbing experience, was chosen to portray Tenzing. His journey in the film mirrors the physical and emotional challenges of the historic climb. They not only added authenticity to the expedition scenes but also provided essential safety guidance.
