Too few documentaries pass up imperfect actuality for a tasty story. Australian climber and film-maker Jen Peedom had reality thrust on her in 2014 when an Everest avalanche killed 16 people close to where she was filming. Thirteen of the dead were Sherpa – members of the indigenous ethnic group who had, for decades, guided wealthy westerners to the mountain’s peak.
Tired of being disrespected by clients, poorly served by their government and working in dangerous conditions without insurance, the Sherpas went on strike. Peedom filmed as the commercial climbing industry struggled to comprehend a new narrative: their faithful aides had suddenly, publicly realised their power. Smart, genuine, thoughtful film-making.
