British mountaineers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine disappeared in 1924 while attempting to climb Mount Everest, leaving behind the question of whether they successfully reached the summit. In 1999, an American expedition discovered Mallory’s body but failed to find his Kodak camera. Had the camera contained photos of their ascent, Mallory and Irvine would be recognized as the first humans to conquer Everest, altering history.
In the film "Everest: The Mountain of the Gods," this camera is fictionalized as having passed through markets over the years. Mallory’s family inferred from his belongings that he likely succeeded in reaching the summit, but without direct evidence, whether Mallory and Irvine truly conquered Everest remains open to interpretation. This story has also inspired novels and films, with Mallory’s famous quote about Everest—"Because it’s there"—becoming a creed among climbers.
This history inspired writer Baku Yumemakura and also moved director Hideyuki Hirayama. In April 2013, Hirayama traveled to the Himalayas with screenwriters to survey the terrain. Filming for "Everest" began in 2015, with the entire crew spending ten days trekking step-by-step to reach the mountain.
In April last year, a massive earthquake struck Nepal, altering the Himalayan landscape. Fortunately, the outdoor scenes for "Everest" had already been shot, preserving unspoiled views of the mountain before the disaster. In March this year, "Everest" held a "Nepal Earthquake Charity Screening" in Japan, attended by the Crown Prince Naruhito and his family—a memorable moment that also helped promote the film.