The renowned production company See-Saw Films, known for its critically acclaimed work on films like “The King’s Speech,” is currently in the process of developing a new project titled “Tenzing.” This upcoming film will depict the extraordinary life of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and his historical conquest of Mount Everest in 1953, alongside New Zealander Edmund Hillary. The lead role of Tenzing Norgay is yet to be cast, but the stellar lineup includes BAFTA-nominated Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary and Oscar winner Willem Dafoe as Colonel John Hunt, the English expedition leader.
“Tenzing” is a project by filmmaker Jennifer Peedom, who holds the exclusive rights to narrate Tenzing’s story through his family members. Peedom has established a close bond with the Sherpa community following her acclaimed documentary “Sherpa.” The script for the film is penned by Oscar-nominated Luke Davies, adding more prestigious names to the project’s portfolio. The production team includes producers Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, and Iain Canning from See-Saw Films, in collaboration with filmmakers Jennifer Peedom and Luke Davies. The executive producers for the film are Simon Gillis, David Michôd, and Norbu Tenzing.
Tenzing Norgay, a Tibetan native, and Edmund Hillary, a mountaineer from New Zealand, were considered outsiders in the British Expedition to conquer Mount Everest. Against all odds, the duo achieved the impossible by reaching the summit of the world’s tallest peak in 1953. Tenzing had made six unsuccessful attempts before risking everything for one final expedition. The climb required navigating treacherous politics and unpredictable weather conditions, making it the most significant challenge of Tenzing’s life. Throughout the journey, Tenzing displayed humor, warmth, and generosity towards his fellow climbers, while also showcasing deep reverence for the sacred Mount Everest, referred to as Chomolungma.
The film “Tenzing” is expected to be one of the key projects at the upcoming Cannes market. International sales for the film will be handled by Rocket Science and See-Saw’s sales division. UTA Independent Film Group and Cross City Films are collaborating on the U.S. sale of the film. The filming for “Tenzing” is scheduled to commence in spring 2025. Director Jennifer Peedom, known for her striking portrayals set amidst grand landscapes, expressed her excitement for bringing Tenzing Norgay’s remarkable story to life on the silver screen. She praised the collaboration with actors like Hiddleston and Dafoe, emphasizing the film’s potential to resonate with audiences on a global scale.
“Tenzing” stands as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of human perseverance and the triumph of the human will. The film serves as a reminder that each individual has their own metaphorical mountains to climb, and through determination and courage, remarkable feats can be achieved. With an outstanding cast and a talented production team, “Tenzing” is poised to be a cinematic portrayal that will inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Through this film, viewers will gain a glimpse into the remarkable life of Tenzing Norgay and the legacy he left behind, immortalized on film for generations to come.
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