Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Tenzing to Open Zurich Film Festival With Everest Story
Tenzing is a new movie about the first successful climb of Mount Everest.
It will open the Zurich Film Festival on September 24.
The movie tells the story of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.
Tenzing wants to be respected as a skilled climber, not only as someone who helps Western climbers.
He works to earn a place on a British climbing team.
The story also shows his friendship with Hillary.
Jennifer Peedom directed the movie.
It will later be shown in select theaters and on Apple TV.
Jennifer Peedom’s Tenzing will open the Zurich Film Festival on September 24.
The film stars Tom Hiddleston as Edmund Hillary and Willem Dafoe as Colonel John Hunt.
Genden Phuntsok plays Tenzing Norgay, whose role in the Everest expedition is central to the story.
The film explores Tenzing’s pursuit of recognition, as well as culture, class, ambition and friendship.
Tenzing will reach select theaters on October 9 and Apple TV on October 16.
- Who
- Director Jennifer Peedom, actors Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe, and the historical climbers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary are central to the film.
- What
- Tenzing will have its European premiere as the opening film of the Zurich Film Festival.
- When
- The premiere is scheduled for September 24; the film is set for select-theater release on October 9 and Apple TV premiere on October 16.
- Where
- The European premiere will take place in Zurich, Switzerland.
- Why
- The festival selected the film because its story of ambition and reaching beyond imposed limits fits the 2026 theme, “dream big.”
- Film
- Tenzing
- Director
- Jennifer Peedom
- European premiere
- September 24 at the Zurich Film Festival
- Main historical figures
- Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary
- Theatrical release
- Select theaters on October 9
- Streaming premiere
- Apple TV on October 16
- Production
- Apple Original Films