Perilous trip makes it to the big screens
Documentary follows Alyssa’s Everest journey
IF you think mountaineer Alyssa Azar peaked at her second Everest summit, think again.
The Toowoomba-raised adventurer is back and conquering more than just mountains starring in the documentary The Ascent.
The short film follows Ms Azar’s third attempt to summit Everest, after her first two were thwarted by natural disasters.
In May this year, Ms Azar, 21, became the youngest Australian to complete Everest twice, pushing through the summit’s death zone where the air has been likened to acid.
The Ascent producer Casey Chamberlain said Ms Azar’s story was one of determination and sacrifice.
“The film follows Alyssa in the lead up to her 2016 attempt,” Ms Chamberlain said.
“We covered everything from her training to how she mentally prepared for the trek.
“The crew waved her off at the airport, and we were delighted when we got news that she had made it to the top.”
The film features Ms Azar’s footage from the trek as well as her first-hand account.
“She’s a very strong-minded person,” Ms Chamberlain said.
“She persevered, even after being caught up in the 2014 avalanche and 2015 Nepalese earthquake - she went back.
“It’s about more than just climbing - it’s about what one is willing to sacrifice in order to chase dreams.”
The film has been selected for the national Women’s Adventure Film Tour, which is showing at BCC Cinema, Toowoomba on September 3. More information can be found on the tour’s Facebook page.