Aoraki/Mt Cook is set to double as Mt Everest in the movie Tenzing. Photo / Les Molloy
Aoraki/Mt Cook is set to double as Mt Everest in the movie Tenzing. Photo / Les Molloy
New Zealand’s highest peak is set to feature as the world’s highest peak in an upcoming biopic about Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay.
Directed by Australian documentarian Jennifer Peedom, Tenzing is scheduled to film in Aoraki/Mt Cook next month, with its snow-capped, rugged landscape serving as the backdrop of the world-famous1953 expedition during which Norgay climbed to the summit of Mt Everest alongside New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary.
The Department of Conservation (DoC) announced today it has approved filming, which will take place on the eastern side of the mountain (Malte Brun Pass near the Tasman Glacier and near the Hochstetter Icefall), doubling as the famous Everest Base Camp and the Hillary Step.
DoC ranger Ray Bellringer says that it’s not the first time the sites have been used for film and documentaries related to Mt Everest.
“All filming activities are subject to strict environmental conditions to ensure the protection of the natural landscape. DoC staff will be on-site daily to monitor compliance. This is an incredibly special place, and it’s our role to protect it,” Bellringer says.
He notes how Hillary dedicated much of his life after 1953 to supporting Nepalese communities.
“It is fitting that this project recognises the life and contributions of Tenzing Norgay, and we are proud to provide a setting that supports this storytelling. It’s an iconic setting for an incredible story.”
DoC says construction and logistical preparations are under way and it will continue to work closely with the production team to ensure minimal environmental impact.
“We’re pleased to support this movie project and help showcase it to the world. For Aoraki and the staff here to play a small part in helping to make that happen is special,” he says.
The production crew is made up of proven talent. It’s produced by See-Saw Films, with rights belonging to Apple Original Films after winning an auction at the Cannes Film Festival last May.
Tom Hiddleston will play Sir Edmund Hillary in Tenzing, a biopic of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, which will also star Willem Dafoe as Colonel John Hunt. Photo / Bang Showbiz
Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager) is cast as Hillary, Genden Phuntsok (Jinpa) as Tenzing Norgay, and Willem Dafoe (Poor Things) as English expedition leader John Hunt.
Filming is already under way in Kathmandu, Nepal. Last month, a video shared to social media showed packhorses and dozens of extras in costume taking their place around a bustling square in the city.
According to local outlet Online Kharbar, more than 300 foreigners have been brought in to work as part of the film crew.
