About the Film
On 18 April 2014, 16 climbing Sherpas died on the slopes of Mt. Everest in the most treacherous and deadliest part of the mountain, the Khumbu Icefall. Follow the Icefall Doctors, who hold the job of building and maintaining the route through the icefall, during that season to experience the most dangerous job on earth and the deadly aftermath.
The second film in our 3-part documentary series exploring the Icefall Doctors, their families, and the Khumbu region of Nepal.
Director Statement From Sean Burch
I first met the Icefall Doctors in 2003 when I was climbing Everest alone. Every day they went into the Khumbu Icefall, by far the most dangerous area of the entire climbing route, saving climbers and securing routes so Western climbers could reach the summit of a mountain. Their courage, strength at altitude, and overall amicable attitude fascinated me, and made me want to find out more.
The importance of this film for Everest history, how climate change affects high altitude, and the global mountain community is something I'm most proud of.
For over 10 years we received unprecedented access from the government of Nepal to film the Icefall Doctors; as well as support from the Embassy and Ambassador of Nepal.