K2 is the second highest and most dangerous mountain to climb in the world. As I discovered in the documentary The Summit, one of four who try to reach its summit will die in the attempt. I don’t expect to ever find myself in the “Death Zone” above 8,000 metres on the 8,611-metre peak, but those who have taken that risk fascinate me. The Summit is a breathtaking insight into the reality of mountain climbing and those willing to take it on, and it’s my first highlight this week.
K2 is the second highest and most dangerous mountain to climb in the world. As I discovered in the documentary The Summit, one of four who try to reach its summit will die in the attempt. I don’t expect to ever find myself in the “Death Zone” above 8,000 metres on the 8,611-metre peak, but those who have taken that risk fascinate me. The Summit is a breathtaking insight into the reality of mountain climbing and those willing to take it on, and it’s my first highlight this week.
Starring: Cecilie Skog, Pemba Gyalje & Marco Confortola
Directed by: Nick Ryan
Screening: Rialto New Wave, Wednesday 16th July, 8.30pm
This gripping, suspenseful and heartbreaking documentary tells of the tragic day in August 2008 when 11 climbers died near the summit of K2. The film takes us through the 48 hours leading up to that fateful attempt on the Summit when numerous international expeditions had converged on High Camp of K2, the last stop before the summit. What exactly happened over the coming days is still a bit of a mystery as climbers dealt with the force of nature, human error and moral dilemmas, but director Nick Ryan gives us a real sense of what it was like to be on the mountain that day. It’s a thrilling tale told by weaving together recreations, interviews, archival footage and actual, intimate footage and photographs from that particular climb. The scenery is spectacular; this is a top-notch documentary, and one that will linger with you for days.
Starring: Greta Gerwig and Adam Driver
Directed by: Noah Baumbach
Screening: Rialto Selection, Saturday 19th July, 8.30pm
The brainchild of director Noah Baumbach and his leading lady Greta Gerwig, Frances Ha tells the delightful story of a 27 year-old dreamer trying to get her life together in New York City. A low-fi and black and white tribute to the French New Wave movement - it features music from François Truffaut films - Frances Ha is also pacey, sharp, and refreshingly different. Gerwig is divine - you’ll either love her refreshing optimism or be infuriated by her immaturity, but either way she carries the film and delivered one of the most engaging characters of 2013.
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matthew Goode & Joanna Vanderham
Directed by: Stephen Poliakoff
Screening: Rialto British, Sunday 20th July, 8.30pm
The fourth and final part of British period piece Dancing on the Edge screens this week, wrapping up the mystery of who killed the singer of the Louis Lester Band, Jessie played by Angel Coulby. Louis is still on the run (Ejiofor) aided by music journo Stanley (Goode) and various other friends. It’s an exciting finale, and one that reveals the prejudices and personal flaws of its characters that have been quietly simmering away throughout the series. If you’ve loved getting caught up this world of jazz music and aristocracy in 1930’s London keep an eye out next week for the Dancing on the Edge Special where characters reveal more about themselves in interviews with Stanley for his Music Express Magazine.