K2: Siren of the Himalayas

Documenting the journey to K2:the drive, the trek, the climb and the camaraderie; this is a great story of what K2 stands for; the dreams it inspire and the hopes the gets lost. This is one of the most challenging mountains in the world climb and the film documents the personal engagement that goes into climbing this mountain whilst also capturing the breath taking scenery of the Karakoram. Being an alpinist and mountaineer myself, I fully identify with the personal challenges that Fabrizio, Gerlinde and the team faced. At this altitude every choice you made has a direct and real consequence on your own and you team's safety. It is really easy to sit in your armchair and judge someone halting their summit bid but not as easy to understand the very lengthy decision process they have gone through before the decision is made and I think that this file captures that very well. Keep in mind that the physical, emotional and financial investment in undertaking an endeavor like this started more than 12 months before they even set foot on the mountain. When the summit attempt is abandoned, they know that they may not be back for years, if ever again. They also know that going against their instinct and pushing for a summit attempt may also mean perishing on the mountain. Only experience and gut-instinct keeps you alive at this altitude so don't think that a decision to abort comes easy. To me, this documentary captured that personal experience and emotional journey that embarking on a journey like this entails and that is why I rate this film a 10/10.