Page 21 - Autumn Lineup Catalogue 2021

Laura’s Choice Life Of Khumbu
2 x 60’ or 1 x 120’, 2021, HD 1 x 60’, 2021, 4K
Laura Henkel is eccentric, outspoken, feisty, 90 years old, and wants to end her ‘Life of Khumbu’ takes you on a journey to the highest mountain range on earth,
life on her own terms, after a harrowing fall followed by a life-threatening case of to the land of Sherpas and one of the best hiking areas in the world. After the first
pneumonia. Initially planning on doing this in her home in Australia, she shifts her successful ascent of Everest in 1953, tourism couldn’t be avoided and the region
focus after hearing about a clinic in Switzerland, where its legal to do this with her began an ongoing process of development that has changed the livelihood of the
family by her side. She tells her daughter and granddaughter, she’d like them to go communities forever. As the gateway to Everest Base Camp and many other high
with her and be there in her final moments and also asks them, both filmmakers, altitude trails, the Khumbu Valley is visited by more and more tourists every year.
to make a film about it. Laura’s Choice will expose and explore complex and often Most of the people living in the region have become guides, porters and hoteliers,
taboo questions as three generations of women travel into uncharted territory and but some are still farming and keeping livestock to try to keep their cultural identity
navigate the legal, moral, ethical, and emotional issues that arise from Laura’s wish alive. Even with all the transformation and tourism, the Khumbu region is still a
to end her life, on her own terms. Virgo Productions Pty Ltd place like nowhere else on Earth. Film Explorer Network TODAY - PEOPLE & CULTURE

A Light In The Darkness Street Leagues
1 x 75’ or 1 x 60’, 2020, 4K 1 x 60’, 2019, HD
Marta, a 15-year-old Spanish student is moved to investigate what is failing in The Irish Homeless Street Leagues take a unique approach to helping homeless
children’s education, especially in developing countries. Along with her friend Berta people and recovering addicts reclaim their lives by using the power of sport. This
they use their summer holidays to travel to the island of Ibo in Mozambique, film follows a group of players as they rise from their daily struggles to compete
one of the poorest countries in the world. Here they find a system of sustainable on the world stage in the Homeless World Cup, finding self-worth and a sense
education that has been running for years, a place where charity and free help are of purpose along the way. Featuring contributions from actor Colin Farrell (the
considered the stimulus for growth. Marta will try to understand, through interviews ambassador for the team), the film showcases the dramatic ripple effect that’s
with relevant experts, the reasons why in such a globalized world there is still such possible within any society when its marginalized members are empowered to
poor education systems. Marta then travels to the world forum of education at the fulfill their true potential.
United Nations, where she has the opportunity to present her experiences to the
international community. Gondola Films Bankhouse Productions 15