 Los
Angeles, CA-
EVEREST, playing at the California Science
Center's IMAX Theater from May 11 through June 21,
2001, features the first large-format images ever
brought back from Mt. Everest. It tells the dramatic
true story of a team of climbers who journey to
the summit, just days after the infamous 1996 tragedy
in which eight climbers lost their lives in a deadly
storm. IMAX audiences will be moved with emotion
every step of the way as these climbers journey
over creaking ice falls, across quaking chasms,
up towering cliffs and into the mystical danger
zone of oxygen-thin altitude.
The
EVEREST team consisted of director and producer
David Breashears, Ed Viesturs, America's leading
Himalayan mountaineer, Jamling Tenzing Norgay, an
experienced Himalayan climber and Araceli Segarra,
a physiotherapist who became the first woman from
Spain to ascend Mt. Everest during the production
of EVEREST.
Every
day of the EVEREST climb draws audiences
into the often joyful and sometimes tragic world
of the climbers. This is made particularly poignant
when from out of nowhere, one of Mt. Everest's massive
storm systems moved in, trapping climbers high on
the mountain.
Since
they were not caught in the storm, the EVEREST
team made every attempt to rescue the trapped climbers,
however, the climbers were losing strength and the
night was growing more savage. In the end, eight
climbers died -- and, like all climbers who lose
their lives too high on EVEREST for rescue,
their bodies remained where they fell in the snow,
both a tribute to and a stark reminder of the power
of the mountain.
"Despite
the emotional heartache they all felt after losing
several close friends, they drew strength from the
support of their team and the good wishes from people
who followed the events on the mountain from all
over the world," recalls Greg MacGillivray,
producer and co-director of the film.
On
May 23 at 10:55 a.m., David Breashears and Ed Viesturs
reached the very top of the world, followed shortly
after by Jamling Tenzing Norgay, Araceli Segarra
and cinematographer Robert Schauer.
Note
to Editors
Everest
will show daily at 6 p.m., May 11 through June 21.
IMAX Theatre at the California Science Center is
located at 700 State Drive in Exposition Park. Admission
Prices range from $3.75 and $7.50. For recorded
information on IMAX show times, phone (213) 744-7400.
For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to
make free reservations for any visiting group of
15 or more (required), call (213) 744-2019. Parking
is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th
Street for $6 per car. Both the Science Center and
IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For general
information, phone (323) SCIENCE.
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