Everest’s Historic Story Returns to Nepal, This Time for a cause as ‘Tenzing’ to Screen in Kathmandu for Bhotekoshi Flood Relief

KATHMANDU, NEPAL | SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

‘Tenzing’ Comes to Kathmandu for Flood Relief

Apple Original Film Tenzing, directed by Jennifer Peedom and starring Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay, Tom Hiddleston as Edmund Hillary and Willem Dafoe as Colonel John Hunt, is set to receive a special charity screening in Kathmandu, Nepal, organized by the British Embassy in Kathmandu to raise money for communities affected by the recent Bhotekoshi flood disaster. Proceeds from the event are set to go to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, giving audiences an opportunity to experience a major international film rooted in Himalayan history while contributing to Nepal’s ongoing relief and recovery efforts.

A Film Deeply Connected to Nepal

Tenzing is based on the historic journey of Tenzing Norgay and New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, who became the first confirmed climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953.

But the film places particular attention on Tenzing’s side of that famous story.

Apple describes the film as following the Himalayan climber’s struggle to earn his place on the British Everest expedition rather than simply serving the climbing team. It also explores Tenzing’s spiritual relationship with the mountain, known to Tibetans as Chomolungma, alongside the cultural and social differences surrounding the expedition.

Genden Phuntsok Steps Into Tenzing Norgay’s Role

Genden Phuntsok plays Tenzing Norgay, taking the central role in the film.

He is joined by Tom Hiddleston as Edmund Hillary, while Academy Award-nominated actor Willem Dafoe portrays Colonel John Hunt, leader of the 1953 British Everest expedition.

The cast also includes Caitríona Balfe as expedition secretary Jill Henderson and Thinley Lhamo as Tenzing’s wife, Dawa.

Rather than presenting the Everest achievement only as an adventure story, the film explores the people, relationships and tensions behind one of mountaineering’s most recognised moments.

Jennifer Peedom Returns to the Himalayas

The film is directed by Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom, whose work has long been connected with mountains and Himalayan communities.

Peedom previously directed Sherpa, the acclaimed documentary examining the lives and experiences of Sherpa climbers working on Everest.

For Tenzing, she developed the story alongside screenwriter Luke Davies, with Davies writing the screenplay.

Tenzing Norgay’s son Norbu Tenzing is also involved in the project as an executive producer.

Nepal Is Part of the Film’s Own Journey

The connection between Tenzing and Nepal goes beyond the story it tells.

Parts of the production were filmed in Nepal, bringing the international project to landscapes closely connected with Himalayan history.

The film therefore returns to Kathmandu for its charity screening with a particularly strong connection to the country: it tells the story of one of the Himalayas’ most celebrated figures, depicts the Everest expedition that changed mountaineering history and was partly brought to life on locations in Nepal.

From Everest History to Bhotekoshi Relief

That connection has taken on a different meaning following the devastating Bhotekoshi floods.

The disaster caused widespread loss of life and destruction across flood-affected communities, triggering large-scale rescue, relief and recovery efforts.

The special Kathmandu screening will turn a cultural event into a fundraising effort, with proceeds directed toward the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.

It creates a symbolic connection between Nepal’s mountains on screen and people living through the consequences of a major Himalayan disaster today.

A Story of Nepal Heading to Zurich

The Kathmandu initiative comes as Tenzing prepares for another major international moment.

The film has been selected to open the 22nd Zurich Film Festival on September 24, 2026, where it will have its European premiere.

The festival says Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe and director Jennifer Peedom are expected to attend the opening gala and present the film.

More than 1,000 guests from culture, politics, business and society are expected at the festival’s opening night.

Why Zurich Chose ‘Tenzing’

The Zurich Film Festival has chosen “Dream Big” as the theme of its 2026 edition, making the Everest story particularly fitting for its opening night.

Festival CEO Christian Jungen said the film reflects the idea of going beyond perceived limits while also carrying a message about respecting Sherpa people and nature.

The official festival programme describes Tenzing as both the story of the Everest expedition and the extraordinary relationship that developed between the climbers as they pursued an achievement that would become part of global history.

Apple Release Coming in October

Following its festival appearances, Tenzing will move toward its wider public release.

Apple says the film will arrive in select theatres on October 9, 2026, before becoming available globally on Apple TV on October 16.

That means the planned Kathmandu charity event gives audiences in Nepal a special connection to the film around the same period that it begins reaching international audiences.

More Than a Movie Screening for Nepal

For Nepal, the Kathmandu screening carries significance beyond cinema.

Tenzing tells a story born in the Himalayas and centred on a man whose name became inseparable from Everest. Decades after Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary stood together at the world's highest point, that story is now being retold for a new international audience.

This time, however, its return to Kathmandu will carry another purpose.

As Nepal continues recovering from the Bhotekoshi disaster, a film celebrating Himalayan courage and determination will also help raise funds for people trying to rebuild their lives below those same mountains.