Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Many know the visual splendour of Mount Everest, but only through pictures, stories, or tales of these treks that tempt the most ambitious of climbers. But, as the profile of Mount Everest has risen, what's lesser known is the stories of the Sherpas that guide these climbs while risking their lives to recover the bodies of those who did not survive the summit. This side of the story is the catalyst for Jereme Watt's "Everest Dark."
Spotlighting one of Nepal's most celebrated high-altitude climbers, Mingma, "Everest Dark" follows this compelling character on his own journey to reclaim Mount Everest from exploitation. In 2015, Nepal suffered a devastating earthquake that cost the lives of many. Mingma believed this to be the wrath of God. "Everest Dark" is a documentary on courage, conviction, faith, and the cost of intruding on what is sacred.
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Watt sits down with Director of Programming, Curtis Woloschuk, to discuss creating such an arduous project, which also happened to take place during the peak of COVID. From gathering a high-altitude crew to explaining the risks of participation to their parents, creating "Everest Dark" was no small feat. We hear from Watt on his conviction to make it happen.
Many know the visual splendour of Mount Everest, but only through pictures, stories, or tales of these treks that tempt the most ambitious of climbers. But, as the profile of Mount Everest has risen, what's lesser known is the stories of the Sherpas that guide these climbs while risking their lives to recover the bodies of those who did not survive the summit. This side of the story is the catalyst for Jereme Watt's "Everest Dark."
Spotlighting one of Nepal's most celebrated high-altitude climbers, Mingma, "Everest Dark" follows this compelling character on his own journey to reclaim Mount Everest from exploitation. In 2015, Nepal suffered a devastating earthquake that cost the lives of many. Mingma believed this to be the wrath of God. "Everest Dark" is a documentary on courage, conviction, faith, and the cost of intruding on what is sacred.
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Watt sits down with Director of Programming, Curtis Woloschuk, to discuss creating such an arduous project, which also happened to take place during the peak of COVID. From gathering a high-altitude crew to explaining the risks of participation to their parents, creating "Everest Dark" was no small feat. We hear from Watt on his conviction to make it happen.
