Previous Zoom Panel Discussions
13th - 19th October
The Porter: The Untold Story at Everest
Nathaniel J. Menninger and Babin Dulal | 57min
A young privileged American attempts to make history at Everest by becoming one of the first ever foreign-born Porters to aid a Mt. Everest expedition. But in doing so, experiences a world far above his head. This is an inside look at the darker side of Everest. At the strength, pride and pain of those who support it. And at just how hard it is for a naive foreigner to attempt the same. This is the Porter.
KIMFF ZOOM PANEL DISCUSSION
Online screening from 13th - 19th October.
Zoom Panel discussion on 20th October.
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Panelists
Ben Ayers
Ben Ayers is a 20+ year veteran of Nepal. In the early 2000’s he founded of Porters’ Progress, which was Nepal’s first direct advocacy organization for porter and expedition worker rights. He is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer.
Kul Bahadur Gurung
Kul Bahadur Gurung is the General Secretary of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) a nonprofit/ ngo focused on promoting mountain tourism, climbing sports, protecting and preserving mountain environments and cultural heritage of mountain people. He is well acquainted with Nepal’s trekking and tourism industry and is a PhD scholar in mountaineering studies.
Nathaniel J. Menninger
Nathaniel J. Menninger arrived in Nepal as a tourist and over several visits ended up making his first film The Porter which follows one of the first ever foreign-born porters to aid a Mt. Everest Expedition. During the trek Nathaniel ate, slept, dressed, spoke and worked as similarly as he could to other porters. He didn't shower for 23 days, lost over 20 pounds and carried 100 kilos — all documented on camera by cinematographer Babin Dulal. But more importantly, the team ended up walking into what they describe as a pretty serious injustice.
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita is a Nepali mountaineer and National Geographic's People's Choice Adventurer of the Year (2016). She is the first female mountaineering instructor in Nepal and one of the first Nepali women to reach the summit of K2, a climb which she dedicated to climate change awareness. She has guided mountaineering in Nepal, the USA, Argentina, France and Pakistan. She is engaged in assisting women's education in Nepal.
Moderator
Subina Shrestha
Subina Shrestha is an award winning Nepali journalist and filmmaker and a Havard Nieman Fellow.
