Written by: Shahnawaz Ramay
Posted on: December 31, 2019 | 
| 中文
Maciej Berbeka in "Dreamland"
Mountain and film enthusiasts alike recently gathered at at the Foundation for Arts, Culture & Education (FACE) in Islamabad, for Pakistan’s 5th Mountain Film Festival (PIMFF). It was organised by Eyebex Films in collaboration with FACE and Serena Hotels. The festival focused on the tales of adventure and mountaineers, and allowed viewers a glimpse into the life, dedication and the danger that comes with doing the impossible. It picked the best 22 films out of the 500 international applications.
Originally founded by adventure filmmaker Wajahat Malik and Maryam Cheema in 2015, PIMFF was conceptualized as an intersection between filmmaking and mountaineering. It aimed to start a discussion on independent cinema in Pakistan, as well as encourage discussion on responsible tourism in Pakistan. PIMFF came at a good time too, as Pakistan is increasingly going up the international lists of tourist friendly countries, particularly for adventure tourism.
A Still From 'Home' by Jen Randall
Over the weekend, back to back films showcased a collection of moving documentaries, which give a face and a life to the stories which we read about in magazines. The films allowed viewers to see some of the most stunning views, and the most terrifying feats that adventurers have captured over the years. The breathtaking cinematography complimented well with the intimate, and cozy atmosphere at FACE, and each film was visual treat.
A Still From Mangroves and the Custodians of the Coast
“Once Upon a Sky” looked at the journey of Gurpreet Dhindsa, a highly decorated and experienced paraglider, in an attentive and personal tribute. The film followed his journey as a paraglider, an instructor, but also a friend, mentor and a father. When he failed to find a suitable instructor in Punjab, India to further his skill and training, he wrote to the leading institutions around the world to help him. After spending five months in the UK, he set up his own paragliding institute to provide people with the opportunities which he did not have.
Poster for Once Upon A Sky
The film also delved into the challenges he faced from the government and from false advertisers, who hurt his integrity as an instructor. The film explores his determination to continue, despite two major injuries and a death of a close friend, just days before a major competing event.
The following film “Dreamland”, followed the trials and successes of the Polish mountaineer Maciej Berbeka, the first man to cross the 8000 meter mark on Mount Everest. This film was a tribute by Berbeka’s sons to their father, who died tragically in 2013 at Broad Peak mountain. “Dreamland” began with Berbeka’s grandparents reflecting on his passion for mountaineering, which started at a very young age. The story follows him as a young man making a career out of climbing Polish mountain peaks.
Slowly, he conquered mountain after mountain, till he climbed the summit of Mount Everest, where he almost died. That left him with a deep psychological scar, and made him focus his attention to his family and his children. The filmmakers explore their deep and loving relationship with their father. They highlight the silent sacrifices he had to make for them, how his family always feared for his safety, and the painful goodbyes they shared, not knowing whether he would return. They explain how their father’s drive inspired them to take up mountaineering as a way to honor his legacy.
Other notable documentaries included The Distant Islands, focusing on two extreme corners of the European continent; Ed Hillary’s journey to the Ganges in Hilary: Ocean to the Sky; and Anam Abbas’ Mangroves and the Custodians of the Coast, which covers the rich ecosystem of Mangrove forests in Pakistan. However, it is worth noting that the announcement of the festival at such short notice, and the rather disorganized schedule, made for a much smaller crowd than anticipated.
Mangroves and the Custodians of the Coast
PMFF serves as an excellent opportunity for avid mountaineers, tourists and adventure enthusiasts to get together to share their passion and excitement, about the people and the places that motivate them. Not only has this been important to call attention to the these powerful stories, but also encourages us as viewers to go closer to nature, find new stories and share the thrill of adventure with those who are willing to listen.
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