Watch K2 and the Invisible Footmen

K2 and the Invisible Footmen is a documentary film from 2015, directed by Iara Lee. The movie centers on the challenges faced by the Sherpas, the indigenous people of the Himalayas, who are often overlooked and undervalued in the Western fascination with conquering Mount Everest and other tall peaks. The film takes its name from K2, the second-highest mountain peak in the world, located on the border of Pakistan and China.

The story follows the framing of a group of mountain climbers who go on an expedition to conquer K2. Along the way, they encounter the Sherpa people who are instrumental in making the journey a success. Without the Sherpas, the difficult climb would be almost impossible. The documentary reveals that the Sherpas are an important part of the story of climbing the high peaks of the Himalayas; they are the invisible footmen who make possible the journeys of the Western adventurers in the extreme conditions of the mountain range.

Through stunning footage of the majestic mountains, several interviews with climbers, and the Sherpa people, the film highlights the cultural differences that make the Sherpa culture unique. It explains how the Sherpas have evolved over the years to become masters of the mountains, with a deep respect for the peaks that they consider holy. Moreover, the documentary showcases the incredible strength and courage of the Sherpas, who put their lives at risk as they work to ensure the successful ascent of mountaineers. In a way, the Sherpas are the backbone of the mountain industry, as they carry the supplies and gear of the climbers along the narrow paths leading to the summit.

The film also shows how the Sherpas often go unrecognized for their contributions and struggle to make ends meet, despite the ever-increasing rate of Western tourism in the region. K2 and the Invisible Footmen touches upon the corruption and inequality that are common in the mountain business, examining how the Sherpas are exploited and suffer at the hands of greedy entrepreneurs. The Sherpas often risk their lives to put food on the table for their families, yet they receive meager compensation for their work. The documentary makes a powerful statement by highlighting how the Sherpas deserve more recognition and support than they currently receive.

Overall, K2 and the Invisible Footmen is a must-watch documentary that provides a fascinating insight into the Sherpa people, their everyday lives, and their invaluable contribution to the adventure tourism industry. The film also presents a unique perspective on the dangers and rewards of mountaineering, highlighting the impact that tourism has on fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage sites. It is a poignant and thought-provoking film that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the Sherpa people and the critical role they play in the mountain climbing industry.

In conclusion, K2 and the Invisible Footmen is an excellent documentary, well worth watching for those interested in the Sherpa culture, the mountain climbing industry, or adventure tourism. It is an intelligent and thought-provoking film that provides an incredible insight into a world many people are unaware of.

K2 and the Invisible Footmen is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.