Window into the Sky

Country

Czech Republic

Copyright

2007

Production year

2007

Premiere

7 April 2011

Runtime

23 min

Director

Pavel Bém

Category

film

Genre

documentary

Typology

documentarytheatrical distributionshort

Original title

Okno do nebe

Czech title

Okno do nebe

English title

Window into the Sky

Summary

This documentary film is not only about the successful ascent of the Czech-Slovak expedition to the highest peak on Earth – Mount Everest, but is also about religious ceremonies and the spiritual life of the local inhabitants. The film, which largely was prepared by physician, politician, former Prague mayor and athlete Pavel Bém, captures one of the feats of the small Czech-Slovak expedition "unit", whose members are undertaking the Crown of the World project in which they conquer the highest peaks of the seven continents. The film captures the ascent of the northeast ridge across the North Col on Mount Everest. – Following a year of intensive preparations and despite the blessing of the Buddhist Monastery Tengboche, the expedition was black-listed by Chinese officials (allegedly due to the Tibet flag, apparently hanging at the Prague Town Hall), and was forced to radically change their plans: After a quick move to Nepal they set out to the top of Everest across the South Col and across the famous Hillary Step, as his last (22nd expedition of spring 2007). With ideal weather on 18. 5. 2007 at 6:40 Sherpa Nimo, his brother-in-law Pembo and Pavel Bém reach the summit (Sherpa Nimo conquered the peak six times, but died on K2 on 20. 7. 2007). – The frequently risky shots taken document the passage through the chaotic terrain of the Khumbu glacier with numerous cracks, as well as setting up camps, the exhausting ascent, the panoramic views from the top and the moments of comfort upon returning to basecamp; there are also shots of visited sanctuaries or tragic moments in which victims are carried down to the valley. (This film is part of the Everest series.)

Commentary

Performed by

Nimo

šerpa

Pembo

šerpa

Dawo

šerpa

Passango

kuchař

Crew and creators

Director

Pavel Bém

Commentary by

Pavel Bém

Director of Photography

Pavel Bém, Vlado Zboja, Adolf Eliáš

Film Editor

Radan Šprongl

Producer

Pavel Bém

Production info

Original Title

Okno do nebe

Czech Title

Okno do nebe

English Title

Window into the Sky

Category

film

Typology

documentarytheatrical distribution

Genre

documentary

Origin country

Czech Republic

Copyright

2007

Production Year

2007

Premiere

non-distribution premiere 30 December 2007 (televizní uvedení ČT 2)
distribution premiere 7 April 2011 /suitable for all ages/

Distribution slogan

no caption

Copyright Holders

Pavel Bém

Technical info

Duration typology

short film

Duration in minutes

23 min

Shooting format

video

Distribution carrier

DVD

Aspect ratio

1:1,78

Colour

colour

Sound

sound

Sound system/format

mono, digital sound

Versions

Czech

Dialogue languages

Czech, English

Subtitles languages

Czech

Opening/End credits languages

Czech

Awards

Vítěz

Festival: 5. mezinárodní putovní festival outdoorových filmů MFOF – soutěž a přehlídka dobrodružných, extrémních, adrenalinových a cestopisných filmů

2007
Ostrava / Czech Republic
zvláštní cena pořadatele festivalu za film natočený v extrémních podmínkách
Pavel Bém