Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2019 – Accidental Climber
In 2014, Jim Geiger attempted to become the oldest American to summit Mt. Everest. What ensued was the worst disaster in mountaineering history.
Interview with Director Steven Oritt
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I first met the main subject of the film, Jim Geiger over five years ago and was immediately drawn to him as a character. Beyond having an intention to do something remarkable as climbing the tallest mountain in the world at age 68, I found Jim to be one of the most authentic and inspirational people I have met. Furthermore, Jim possessed no pretense in projecting these qualities, rather they came from a place of truth, within his heart. I was immediately attracted to the humility that he possessed, a trait that is increasingly rare to find in folks these days, and one that I felt was worthy of featuring in a film.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Accidental Climber is an inspirational look at one man's attempt to prove that age is just a number, by setting the record as the oldest American to summit Mt. Everest. As is the case with may documentaries, however, the film we set out to make shifted immensely when sixteen Sherpas were killed in a tragic avalanche, closing the Nepalese side of the mountain for the first time in nearly forty years. The story then shifted to the impact the accident had on the entire climbing community, as well as on the main subject of our film, who was forced to reexamine his goals and ultimately confront failure.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The personal theme of pushing one's self beyond their preconceived limits, factors heavily into the film...and just how the ego impacts this pursuit, especially when confronted by failure. As far as universal themes, the film pulls back the curtain on the cultural and socioeconomic juxtaposition between the Westerner clients climbing Everest and the Sherpa guides who risk their lives helping them get there.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The film began as a simple story following one man's pursuit to achieve something remarkable and due to unforeseen circumstances (the tragic death of sixteen Sherpas), developed into something much more complex and volatile.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Audiences have responded very well at each of the five festivals that the film has appeared at so far, clearly moved by the emotional journey that Jim, our main character, takes them on. People find him easily accessible and inspirational and have been profoundly moved by his experience on screen. Throughout the film, Jim goes through a metamorphosis, coming out on the other side, a changed man...and it is this transcendence that has impacted audiences the most, leaving them with a visceral reaction to his state of enlightenment.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
To expose the film to as many people as possible, which includes audiences as well as other film festivals, journalists and buyers.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, and journalists...
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like audiences to learn something from Jim's experience and to gain some insight into the climbing culture surrounding Mt. Everest that they might otherwise not have learned.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Are Sherpa guides adequately compensated for helping others climb Mt. Everest?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I just finished my narrative, feature film debut, My Name is Sara which was recently introduced at the Cannes Film Market and will likely make its world premiere at a festival later this summer.
Interview: May 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Accidental Climber
In 2014, Jim Geiger attempted to become the oldest American to summit Mt. Everest. What ensued was the worst disaster in mountaineering history.
Length: 1:03:00
Director: Steven Oritt
Producer: Corey Bobker & John Ngyuen
About the writer, director and producer:
STEVEN ORITT began directing music videos and commercials, and moved into documentaries with his feature-length debut American Native, earning 3 best director/documentary awards on the international film festival circuit. He then launched James Lucy Productions, which is currently developing an episodic series for AMC Networks as well as recently completing Steven’s follow-up documentary Accidental Climber, in addition to Steven’s feature film debut, My Name is Sara.
Key cast: Jim Geiger - Main subject of the film
Looking for: sales agents, distributors, film festival directors, buyers, journalists
Facebook: Accidental Climber
Instagram: @accidentalclimber
Hashtags used: #accidentalclimber #everest #documentary #sherpa
Other: IMDb