Opening Night at Zurich Film Festival Features “Tenzing” with Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe
The upcoming mountain climbing epic Tenzing, featuring stars Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe, is slated to kick off the 22nd edition of the Zurich Film Festival on September 24.
Produced by Apple Original Films and directed by Jennifer Peedom, known for her work on Sherpa and Mountain, the movie tells the real-life tale of Tenzing Norgay. Portrayed by Genden Phuntsok, Norgay was an exceptional Himalayan climber who, along with New Zealander Edmund Hillary (played by Hiddleston), famously became the first climbers to summit Mount Everest, which stands at 8,849 meters, in 1953.
In the film, Tenzing’s journey is supported by his wife Dawa (Thinley Lhamo) and further aided by expedition secretary Jill Henderson (Caitríona Balfe). Together, they persuade Colonel John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) to include Tenzing as an integral part of the British expedition team, rather than just a support member. Unlike Western climbers who view Everest as a challenge to be overcome, Tenzing holds the mountain in deep spiritual regard, considering it a sacred entity. The story unfolds amid the backdrop of not only the perilous climb but also the complex interplay of cultural respect, social class, and personal aspirations.
The European premiere of the film at the Zurich Film Festival will see both Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe in attendance.
Zurich Film Festival’s director Christian Jungen remarked, “This year’s ZFF motto is ‘dream big’. Tenzing magnificently embodies this theme by illustrating the extraordinary feats achievable in pursuit of a grand vision. We are thrilled to have both Hollywood luminaries and the distinguished director Jennifer Peedom here to unveil Tenzing. The film not only captivates with its intense emotional depth and stunning alpine visuals but also conveys a timely message: The historic first ascent of Mount Everest was a success due to the climbers’ respect for the Sherpa community and their adherence to nature’s laws.”
The Zurich Film Festival is scheduled to run from September 24 to October 4, 2026.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
