Nancy Svendsen, Director
Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest chronicles Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s tragic and inspiring journey to become the first Nepali woman to summit Everest in 1993. Her courageous, historic, and tragic journey would inspire a nation and generations to come. As an uneducated, indigenous woman and a Buddhist in a Hindu kingdom, Pasang’s dream to scale the legendary mountain pits her against family, foreign climbers, her own government, and nature itself. Her determined pursuit of Everest plays out within the context of her nation’s quest for democracy and the emergence of the commercial climbing industry. As told by the Nepalis who knew her, by some of the world’s most notable alpinists, and by Pasang herself, this film documents the historic quest that would transfix her country and uplift a new generation’s belief in its possibilities.
Released in 2022
Running time: 72 minutes
FHFF Film Category: Explorers & Adventures
FHFF Film Sponsor: Soroptomists
IN-THEATRE SCREENINGS:
Friday, October 21 - 10:15 AM
Saturday, October 22 - 10:00 AM
FILMMAKER ATTENDANCE: In-Person
A Q&A with Director Nancy Svendsen will begin directly following each screening.
ONLINE SCREENINGS: On-demand October 24-30, 2022 on FHFF.org.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Nance Svendsen
Nancy Anne Svendsen grew up in small towns in Iowa. Since childhood, she has been passionate about bringing people together to tell stories. Nancy earned a B.A. in English, Spanish and American Studies from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota. She spent over two decades focusing her energy on leadership positions in various facets of the healthcare industry.
Now Nancy has returned to her storytelling roots as an independent filmmaker in Northern California. Nancy combines her business acumen and experience running large organizations with her passion for women’s rights, the creative arts, and storytelling. Nancy started the Follow Your Dream Foundation Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, as a place to incubate and launch powerful stories that can influence people’s lives.
In her film, PASANG: In the Shadow of Everest, Nancy shares the story of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa – the first Nepali woman to summit Mt. Everest. Nancy believes the inspiration born from reaching for the impossible is transformational; sharing our respective journeys is our opportunity to touch the lives of those who may not yet know they need to hear the stories we tell.
Nancy is an active musician and lives in Marin County with her husband and their two children.
Friday Harbor Film Festival thanks our presenting sponsors:
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