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PASANG: THE SHADOW OF EVEREST

One of the things I love about the new documentary Pasang: The Shadow of Everest is that it shows how much women have struggled to follow their dreams. The film explores the journey of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, a Nepalese woman from a mountaineering family, whose dream is to climb the highest mountain in the world. We learn how mentally and physically challenging this Mount Everest trek is, especially when people doubt your ability because you're a woman.

Pasang started climbing when she was 16 or 17. Climbing as woman is shocking to many people. She was determined and ambitious, but doing this will mean needing to raise the money herself for an expedition, finding sponsors to support her, and getting a group together to go on this dangerous adventure. She believes in herself but Mount Everest takes the risk to a whole other height.

PASANG really made me think about why someone would risk their life to stand on an 8,849-meter mountain. And the answer is: passion. When you really believe in a goal, you climb until you reach where you want to be. Climbing Mount Everest is a very breathtaking and risky experience--there are few chances for mistakes. The amount of time and work you have put into preparation and the trek itself is extraordinary. It takes approximately 6-10 weeks to get to the top, then add bathroom, food and water breaks. Knowing that over 100 people have died either on the way up or down, is terrifying, but knowing 10,184 people have survived is promising.

This film's message is go after your dream, no matter what anybody thinks, because ultimately you can do anything. Women have the right to not be doubted when following their dreams. Pasang: The Shadow of Everest is very uplifting and can inspire many people. People can tell you what to do, but you don't always have to listen.

I give Pasang: The Shadow of Everest 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18, plus adults. This film premieres at the Santa Barbara Film Festival on March 3, 2022.

By Makena P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

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The story of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mt. Everest. Her courageous, historic, and tragic journey would inspire a nation and generations to come.