\"Everest Revisited: 1924\u20132024,\" a recently released film, transcends typical mountaineering narratives to explore the enduring allure and evolving meaning of Mount Everest over the past century. This documentary has already garnered acclaim, receiving the Jury Special Mention Award at the 2024 Krak\u00f3w Mountain Festival and securing the runner-up position for the Audience Choice Award at the 2024 London Mountain Film Festival. The 41-minute feature, a collaborative effort between the Alpine Club and the Mount Everest Foundation, skillfully interweaves historical footage with insights from prominent British Everest enthusiasts. Narrated by mountaineer Matt Sharman and enriched by the personal connection of Julie Summers, grandniece of Sandy Irvine, the film offers a contemplative journey into Everest's cultural and spiritual heritage rather than a mere chronological account of its past.
Central to the film's exploration are the early 20th-century expeditions, with particular emphasis on the fateful 1924 attempt by George Mallory and Sandy Irvine. Through the perspectives of mountaineers and historians like Rebecca Stephens, Leo Houlding, Stephen Venables, Chris Bonington, Krish Thapa, and Melanie Windridge, the documentary illustrates how these pioneering endeavors were shaped by imperial aspirations and scientific curiosity as much as by the sheer challenge of ascent. The film undertakes a critical examination of this period, acknowledging the hierarchical attitudes prevalent in British imperial ventures, especially concerning the Sherpas and high-altitude porters whose indispensable contributions, such as those of Karma Paul and Gyalzen Kazi, were often overlooked. Furthermore, \"Everest Revisited\" extends its gaze to the present, drawing parallels between historical acts of bravery and contemporary questions of accessibility and motivation on the mountain. By including stories like that of former Gurkha Krish Thapa, who assisted Hari Budha Magar, a double amputee, in summitting Everest in 2023, the film highlights that despite Everest's increasing commercialization and queues, the underlying motivations of climbers, as suggested by writer Ed Douglas, may not have fundamentally changed from those of a century ago.
Visually, the film captivates by blending modern and archival footage of the Himalayan landscape with powerful interviews and historical artifacts, including photographs and equipment from early expeditions. The narrative deliberately leaves the fate of Mallory and Irvine shrouded in mystery, emphasizing the enduring unknown. As climber Leo Houlding expresses to Julie Summers, there's a hope that the mystery of her great-uncle and the fabled camera will persist for another century, preserving the mountain's enigmatic charm. Ultimately, \"Everest Revisited\" is more than a film about climbing; it's a profound meditation on memory and the shifting perceptions applied to the world's highest peak. It stands as a compelling watch for climbers, historians, and anyone captivated by the timeless allure of Mount Everest and its complex legacy.
The film \"Everest Revisited: 1924\u20132024\" serves as a poignant reminder that human endeavors, especially those involving the conquest of nature's formidable challenges, are complex tapestries woven from ambition, courage, scientific inquiry, and the often-unseen contributions of many. It encourages us to look beyond simplistic narratives of heroism and to embrace a more nuanced understanding of history, acknowledging the diverse motivations and the invaluable support that underpins monumental achievements. By critically examining the past and connecting it to contemporary challenges, the documentary fosters a deeper appreciation for the human spirit's relentless pursuit of the unknown, reminding us that true progress lies in thoughtful reflection and continuous learning from our collective journey.
A recent tragedy on K2, the formidable Himalayan peak, saw a Pakistani high-altitude worker lose his life in a devastating avalanche. This unfortunate incident underscores the inherent perils faced by mountaineers and support personnel in such extreme environments. The community extends its deepest condolences to the grieving family and the entire climbing fraternity.
The fatal event unfolded on Friday around 12:30 PM local time. Iftikhar Hussain, a high-altitude worker from Pakistan, was part of a four-person group from the Mountain Professionals team descending from Camp 1 towards Base Camp when they were struck by an avalanche. The other members of the group included Dawa Finjo Sherpa and Dawa Geljen Sherpa from Nepal, along with Niaz Ali, a high-altitude porter from Skardu. While the latter three managed to survive and make their way back to Base Camp, Iftikhar Hussain tragically succumbed to the force of the slide. Investigations are currently underway to determine the precise nature of the avalanche, whether it was solely snow, rockfall, or a combination of both.
Following the accident, a dedicated rescue team was swiftly dispatched from Base Camp. Despite their prompt response, they were unable to save Hussain's life. Ryan Waters, the CEO of Mountain Professionals, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, highlighting that Hussain was a contracted porter supporting their expedition. Waters confirmed that all international guides and clients from their team were safely at Base Camp during the incident, and all support team members who were higher on the mountain have since returned and are accounted for. The company is actively gathering more precise details and communicating with all relevant parties to understand the full scope of the tragedy.
In the aftermath of the incident, preparations are being made to airlift Hussain's remains from Base Camp to his hometown in Sadpara village. This somber task reflects the human cost of mountaineering in the world's most challenging terrains. Despite the setback, the climbing season on K2 continues. Adverse weather conditions had previously kept many teams grounded throughout the week. However, a brief improvement in the weather on Friday, coupled with more favorable forecasts, encouraged numerous climbers to advance to Camp 2. Expeditions are pressing on, with staff focused on fixing ropes and establishing Camp 3. Climbers aiming for the summit without supplemental oxygen, such as Israfil Ashurli of Azerbaijan, Santiago Quintero of Ecuador, Serge Hardy of France, and Csaba Varga of Hungary, are endeavoring to acclimatize at the highest possible altitudes to enhance their chances of a successful ascent. Lakpa Sherpa of 8K Expeditions confirmed that his team is also progressing towards Camp 3, indicating that despite the recent loss, the pursuit of the summit on K2 endures.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the immense dangers inherent in high-altitude mountaineering and the critical role and sacrifices made by local support teams. The climbing community mourns the loss of a valuable member and continues to navigate the treacherous slopes of K2 with renewed caution and respect for the mountain's power.
A recent expedition, showcasing resilience and environmental triumph, saw indigenous youth complete an extensive kayaking journey along the Klamath River. This significant event commemorates the dismantling of four major dams, signaling a new era for the river's natural flow and ecological recovery after a century of obstruction.
A Historic Journey: The Klamath River's Reclamation
In a powerful demonstration of environmental stewardship and ancestral connection, a cohort of indigenous youth from various Native American communities has successfully navigated the Klamath River. This month-long kayaking odyssey culminated on July 11, 2025, as a flotilla of 110 paddlers, ranging from 13 to 20 years old, reached the river's mouth, greeted by a jubilant crowd of family and community members. Their journey began on June 12, 2025, from the Klamath's headwaters in Southern Oregon, traversing challenging rapids and diverse waterways, symbolizing the river's newfound freedom.
This celebratory voyage follows decades of tireless advocacy by indigenous activists. Their efforts culminated in the landmark Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement of 2010, which laid the groundwork for the removal of four hydroelectric dams. Federal approval was finally granted in November 2022. The first dam, Copco No. 2, was dismantled in 2023, nearly a century after its construction. By 2024, the remaining three structures—Iron Gate Dam, Copco No. 1 Dam, and JC Boyle—were also removed, ushering in an unprecedented period of natural river flow.
The "Paddle Tribal Waters" program, a non-profit initiative established in July 2022, played a pivotal role in preparing these young kayakers. The program focuses on teaching kayaking skills and fostering river advocacy among indigenous youth throughout the Klamath basin. Participants bravely navigated sections of class 3, 4, and 5 rapids, with some opting for rafts on the most challenging stretches. The expedition also saw young people from indigenous communities in Chile, Bolivia, and New Zealand join the final days, amplifying the message of global indigenous unity and environmental action.
The ecological revitalization of the Klamath River has been remarkably swift. Crucial species such as salmon, steelhead, and lamprey have already begun to access over 600 kilometers of their historical spawning grounds. The elimination of reservoirs has significantly improved water quality and reduced temperatures by preventing massive algae blooms. Dave Coffman, director for northern California and southern Oregon for Resource Environmental Solutions, a key organization in the Klamath's restoration, expressed his astonishment to CNN, stating, “We were hopeful that within a couple of years, we would see salmon return to Southern Oregon. It took the salmon two weeks.” While the river's recovery is promising, the fight for its complete restoration continues, particularly as industrial farming practices and a lack of consistent federal funding pose ongoing challenges to its long-term health.
The journey transcended a mere celebration; it served as a renewed pledge to protect the river. Danielle Frank, a Hupa tribal member and Yurok descendant who participated in the expedition, passionately declared, “It’s not just a river trip and it’s not just a descent to us. We promise that we will do whatever is necessary to protect our free-flowing river.” This powerful statement underscores the deep spiritual and cultural connection indigenous communities hold with the Klamath River and their unwavering commitment to its future.
This remarkable journey down the Klamath River offers profound insights into the power of collective action and the resilience of indigenous communities. It demonstrates that with persistent advocacy and a deep reverence for nature, even long-standing environmental degradations can be reversed. The rapid ecological recovery of the Klamath, particularly the swift return of salmon, serves as an inspiring testament to nature's capacity for healing when given the chance. For future generations, this event stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action, reminding us that protecting our planet's vital waterways is not just an environmental imperative, but a deeply human responsibility.