“The Everest Dream” to premiere at NIFF

KATHMANDU, March 17: “The Everest Dream,” a documentary following the inspiring journey of traumatic brain injury survivors from Scotland, will premiere at the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) in Kathmandu on April 5, organizers said.

Directed by Nepali filmmaker and journalist Ganesh Panday, the 18-month project chronicles individuals who, despite severe brain injuries and medical warnings that they might never walk or speak properly, set out to trek to Everest Base Camp.

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The film follows their journey from Scotland to Kathmandu and through the challenging Khumbu region, highlighting physical and emotional struggles, high-altitude challenges, and dramatic moments—including a participant briefly getting separated and another forced to halt due to health concerns. With support from family and Sherpa guides, seven participants successfully reached Base Camp, the statement said.

Panday said the documentary delivers a powerful message: life after brain injury can still hold hope, ambition, and new dreams. The expedition was led by James Lamb of The Little Sherpa Foundation.

The director himself faced challenges, experiencing oxygen deficiency near Base Camp and requiring helicopter evacuation. After its NIFF premiere, the film is expected to screen at international festivals worldwide.

Panday’s previous works have also won global recognition. His earthquake-themed documentary Bhagyale Banchekaharoo (The Lucky Ones) won over 17 international awards and screened in 32 countries, while CoHusband, in Nepal's polyandry tradition, earned more than a dozen Best Documentary awards and screened at over 40 festivals.

The production team includes associate producer Sharda Gaire, cinematographers Suresh Shrestha and Niraj Panthi, editor Ishwar Koirala, composers Jugal Dangol and Sandip Sardar, and narrator Kaushal Ghimire. Panday expressed gratitude to the team, and to James Lamb and The Little Sherpa Foundation, for their support and inspiration.