Reviews & Quotes | PASANG: In the Shadow of Everest
Educational Media Reviews Online | Reviewed by Katelynn Telford, Music Librarian, Digital Services Librarian, SUNY Fredonia
Highly Recommended "[I]ntertwines a compelling narrative with well-executed cinematography to convey the age-old theme of triumphing over adversity."
School Library Journal | Reviewed by Maggie Knapp
"Interviews with Pasang’s parents, children, husband, and siblings, as well as footage and interviews with Pasang, convey the overall message to pursue big dreams, although as the film documents, Pasang’s biggest dream ended in tragedy."
Film Threat
“Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest does its heroine justice...It will be remembered for shining a light on this untold powerful story about a woman who decided to have it all and realize her dream her way.”
Reel News Daily
“Just in time for Womens’ History month, this film is a poignant example of the many untold tales of female heroism that are frequently under-recognized. Pasang: In The Shadow of Everest is an inspiring story that deserves the attention and recognition of international audiences.”
Reel News Daily
“Filmmaker Nancy Svendsen does a lovely job presenting Pasang’s tenacity and determination, which boldly shines through...”
Golden Globes
“The new documentary, Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest brings to life the untold and inspiring story of her emotional, physical and political journey to the world’s highest peak.”
Jury, Mountainfilm, Telluride
“The film chronicles an unsung hero, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s tragic and inspiring journey to become the first Nepali woman to summit Chomolungma in 1993. The story is brilliantly captured through rarely seen archival footage and the words of Nepali friends and relatives. Her determined pursuit to climb the mountain plays out within the context of her nation’s quest for democracy and political upheaval and is a hitherto untold tale that fits today’s emerging trend of Indigenous reclamation of the Himalaya. This combined with Pasang’s spirit and determination makes this the perfect winner for the Charlie Fowler Best Adventure award.”
Jury, BANFF Mountain FF, Banff, Canada
"Many of the best-known mountaineers become icons because they are visionaries who will stop at nothing to reach their goals and who refuse to give up, even after utter failure, often repeatedly. This intimate portrait expertly mixes archival footage, family video and interviews with world-renowned mountaineers reflecting on their place in the story. By layering personal, cultural, and political barriers, this multifaceted story shows how Pasang Lhamu Sherpa spends her life overcoming, in order to become the first Nepalese woman to summit Mount Everest. Huge congratulations and thanks to Nancy Svendsen and team for celebrating this unsung hero."
Norbu Tenzing Norgay
“Pasang is the story of one woman’s courageous and long journey to become the first Nepali woman to climb Chomolungma (Mt. Everest) in a sport and culture dominated by men. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa prevails against the political, cultural, and class barriers to pave the path for women in the Himalayas to fight for equality and to follow their dreams.”