Cheltenham International Film Festival
Beyond the Summit - part of the Cheltenham International Film Festival
This screening forms part of Cheltenham International Film Festival, which marks its 5th anniversary in 2023. The festival will screen new films from around the world, plus film classics and is adding television, and new live events to its programme, along with guest celebrities.
A moving story of survival, obsession and human connection set against the spectacular backdrop of the Himalayas.
Annapurna in Nepal is one of the most dangerous mountains in the world to try to climb. What drives a person to attempt that feat? In the case of Mateo (Javier Rey), it’s to fulfil a promise following a recent loss in his life. However, his first attempt fails badly, and he would have died if not rescued by Ione (Patricia Lopez Arnaiz), a fellow climber who has all but cut herself off from civilisation. Can these two people overcome their personal demons to triumph over the elements?
Combining the intimate with the epic, this strikingly filmed drama focuses as much on the inner journeys and motivations of its two protagonists as the physical difficulties, with Annapurna becoming a metaphor for overcoming personal tragedy and grief. The fantastic cinematography and impressive climbing footage really immerses us in their frigid environment, you can feel the frostbite!