Sue
By Sue Foley
Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest
Directed by Nancy Svendsen 71 min – Nepal, United States
On April 23, 1993, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa became the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest. She was 32 years old and the mother of three children. After reaching the summit, weather conditions deteriorated and wind and heavy snow descended on the mountain. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa and one of her fellow climbers, Sonam Tshering never made the descent.
The film, which includes wonderful archival footage, presents the life of a woman whose drive and spirit exhibited itself throughout her life. She balked against the constraints which confine women to a prescribed role within her culture. She was not dissuaded by the politics or racism afforded the Sherpa ethnic minority in Nepal. Once Pasang Lhamu Sherpa decided that she would be the first Nepali woman to summit Mt Everest, she did not waver. In the end, it took four attempts. And each time, she found the considerable financial resources and emotional strength to mount another attempt.
By her own account, her commitment to reach the summit was motivated not just by the personal challenge but also by the desire to help the cause of Nepalese women. Posthumously, Pasang was awarded Order of the Star of Nepal for outstanding merit, and is celebrated as a hero in her country. Her example continues to inspire a generation of Nepali women.
Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, one of Nepal’s most iconic mountain climbers and the first Nepali woman to become an international mountain guide was in attendance, attesting to that inspiration. In addition, the director and several members of the cast, including one of Pasang’s daughters and two of her brothers were available after the screening for a Q&A.
The film will be screened on Friday, March 4 at 1:20 PM and Saturday, March 5 at 11:40 AM
