Center for Asian American Media

DAUGHTERS OF EVEREST brings a unique flavor to the familiar story of the attempt to climb Mount Everest. In 2000, the first-ever expedition of Sherpa women to climb Everest was organized. This captivating documentary gives a close-up account of the expedition.

To the Sherpa people, the ethnic group legendary for their unmatched skill in mountaineering, the mountain is a holy place. Mount Everest is "Chomolongma" - Mother Goddess of the Universe. Ironically, Sherpa women have long been discouraged from climbing the powerful and daunting Everest, relegated instead to more traditional roles as homemakers or into support roles in the prestigious climbing industry of Nepal.

The documentary follows the five diverse, charismatic women chosen for this historic expedition. Told from a woman’s perspective rarely seen on Everest or off, the film is a dramatic, inspiring Everest story and an absorbing portrait of the Sherpa community.

“While videotaped in simple style, DAUGHTERS OF EVEREST intimately documents a momentous occasion for women athletes.”

- Bay Area Reporter

A delightful and very honest film that captures the camaraderie of a group of women who take pride in their mountains.

- Florian Camerer, Banff Film Festival Jury member

East Bay filmmaker Sapana Sakya manages to take a well-worn subject – climbing Mount Everest – and turn it into a thought-provoking, inspiring nail-biter.

- Dave McCoy, The Contra Costa Times

Awards
Best Film on Climbing, Banff Mountain Film Festival
Grand Festival Award, Berkeley International Film & Video Festival
Best Documentary, La Femme Film Festival
Best Documentary, Mount Shasta International Film Festival

Recognition
San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival
National Public Television Broadcast

Additional Resources
See the DAUGHTERS OF EVEREST website »

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