K2 – TOUCHING THE SKY

Info

Documentary 2015, Poland, UK, Germany
Runtime: 72 min. / 52 min.
Director: Eliza Kubarska
Production: Braidmade Films

In the summer of 1986, several dozen mountain climbers from all over the world met at the base of K2. Their goal was to be the first to the K2 summit via the technically demanding and back then – unclimbed Southwest Pillar. Up to that moment, K2 had also never been climbed by a woman. The summer of 1986 came to be known as the “Black Summer” because of various tragic events which left 13 alpinists dead.

Eliza, the director and alpinist, together with an international group of grown-up children of acclaimed climbers, sets out on an expedition to reach K2 base camp, the burial place for those who lost their lives on K2. Hania, Łukasz, Lindsey and Chris will challenge themselves to face the past and to understand the force that once seduced their parents and eventually killed them during “black summer” in 1986. On the contrary, Eliza will challenge herself to face her future. Being a woman and an experienced alpinist, she asks herself a question, if her passion is worth the risk she takes? And – more importantly – should she have a child? This emotional journey will not bring neither easy nor obvious answers, but will close the old chapters and open the new ones.

Festivals:
Krakow IFF, Pardo Locarno, Mountain Films Poprad, BANFF, Moutainfilmfest Graz, Torello Spain, IDFA, DocPoint Helsinki