John Porter introduces 3 classic mountaineering films.  The evening will last a little longer than usual, just over 2 hours, but there will be two breaks to refresh glasses.

Bar and light buffet will be available from 6pm.

A great way to start the autumn lecture season.  Hope you will join us if you are in the area.


Tower of Paine:  Directed and Produced by Leo Dickinson, 2006

Leo Dickinson discovered a lost gem in Vic Bray’s attic in 2005 - a film shot by Vic of the 1963 first ascent of the Central Tower of Paine. Leo offered to remake the film in memory of this remarkable ascent: “It was like finding a dinosaur egg and then hatching it!” The film features an all-star cast and the first “Whillans Box,” crucial to survival high up. Success came after weeks of bad weather in mid-January when Don and Chris Bonington summited.


Your Himalaya:  Directed by Alberto Inurrategi and Produced byDiapolan   2002

Multi award winning film described in many Festival catalogues as one of the most beautiful and thoughtful mountaineering films ever made.  In Basque with English subtitles, Inurrategi’s film is a poetic tribute to his brother Felix who died on Gasherbrum 2 while the brothers were on a quest to climb the 14 8000m peaks.  Alberto returns alone to complete the task, questioning the motivation, but knowing his brother is at his side.


Annapurna the Hard Way:  Directed and produced by John Edwards, 1971

The ascent of the South Face of Annapurna in 1970 is recognised universally as a significant breakthrough - both technically and psychologically.  Chris Bonington assembled the cream of British mountaineering and added American Tom Frost for the attempt. This documentary is punctuated by wry observation, understatement and cutting humour from a by-gone age when the game of taking huge risks was matched by a determination not to take it too seriously. The summit triumph leads to unexpected tragedy, a common theme in the Himalaya, but never told more poignantly as in the classic film.