Almost forgotten amid the glamour and flashbulbs of the opening of the Venice Festival were three unassuming figures who accompanied the cast of the opening day film Everest. Bemba Sherpa, Ang Dorje Sherpa, Ang Kula Sherpa are from their native Nepal but they are far from supporting players in the real-life adventure and drama narrated by Baltasar Kormakur’s movie. Simply put since the first conquest of the world’s tallest peak by Sir Edmund Hillary there would be no climbing Everest without the invaluable assistance of the guides from the ethnic group that lives on its slope and in that region of Nepal. Sherpas are a proud mountain people with extraordinary ability to withstand the hardship of the terrain and the challenges of extreme high altitude. They prep the routes with ladders and fixed ropes, they carry the supplies necessary to equip Base Camp and the higher pit stops for climbing expeditions. And just like Tenzing Norgay Sherpa shared the first summit ascent with Hillary in 1953, every expedition is accompanied by Sherpa guides, including Rob Hall’s ill fated attempt of 1996 depicted in the film, which was guided by Ang Dorje Sherpa (in the film he is played by friend and fellow guide Bemba Sherpa. We spoke to this unassuming man who has touched the peak of Everest 17 times! In 2014 a devastating avalanche hit the slopes of Everest killing 16 native guides. The following year a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal and made many more victims. Its effects are still being felt by the population of the impoverished country.
What did you think of the screening?
It was nice. I feel weird because he (Bemba) was playing me, and it remind me back to that day. I was right there with them, so thata why I feel weird, but as a movie it (was great) … I was Rob Halls’ guide. I summited 17 times – 22 expeditions and 17 summits.
Did you know Bemba before the film?
Him and me we bump (into each other) a couple times on the way up Everest and then we met a couple times at base camp in the teahouse, and other (Everest) camps.
Do you feel Sherpas get the recognition you deserve?
I’m not sure people realize what we do. Maybe some people.
Was it important to make this film?
(Through a translator): He wants me to explain to you that he thinks it will raise some awareness of the plight of the Sherpa and all Nepalese people who need help after the (2015) earthquake. These people mean a lot to a lot of Westerners. He raised money and personally helped 88 families to rebuild their houses and it’s going to be a long job so the more awareness the better for Sherpas and other Nepalese tribes.
Is it important that visitors respect Everest?
Yes I have to say they have to be responsible about everything. Not only about themselves. But both ways.
Do you think expeditions should still climb Everest?
The mountain was dangerous as you see in the film saw and it is still the same. But in Nepal the main income is tourism. If that stops it will be even harder
Do you plan to keep climbing that mountain?
I will go back in 2016
Luca Celada