Apple Original Film’s Tenzing, starring Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe, has been selected as the opening film of the 22nd Zurich Film Festival. Directed by Jennifer Peedom, the Everest drama will have its European premiere on September 24, with Hiddleston, Dafoe and Peedom expected to attend the festival in Zurich.
Based on true events, Tenzing tells the story of Himalayan Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay and his historic ascent of Mount Everest alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary in 1953. Genden Phuntsok plays Norgay, while Hiddleston portrays Hillary and Dafoe plays British expedition leader John Hunt.
The film follows Norgay as he seeks a place on the British expedition to Everest. After several unsuccessful attempts to reach the summit, he joins Hunt’s team and sets out with Hillary. The expedition is not simply a battle against one of the world’s most dangerous mountains; the story also explores the cultural and class differences separating the climbers.
At the heart of the film is the relationship between Norgay and Hillary. Although they come from very different backgrounds, the two men share the same ambition and gradually develop mutual respect and trust as they confront the dangers of the mountain together.
One of the defining aspects of Tenzing is its decision to centre Norgay rather than present the Everest ascent primarily as a British achievement. The film’s official synopsis draws a distinction between the Western climbers’ view of Everest as a mountain to conquer and Norgay’s understanding of Chomolungma as a sacred place.
The story also features Norgay’s wife, Dawa, played by Thinley Lhamo, and expedition secretary Jill Henderson, portrayed by Caitríona Balfe. Henderson becomes an important ally for Norgay as he attempts to persuade Hunt that he should be part of the climbing team rather than simply serve the expedition.
Peedom directs the film from a screenplay by Oscar-nominated writer Luke Davies. The director has considerable experience with stories centred on mountains and climbing, having previously made documentaries including Sherpa, Mountain, River and Deeper. Her background in mountaineering filmmaking makes Tenzing a natural continuation of that body of work.
The film is produced by Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning, Jennifer Peedom, Luke Davies and Desray Armstrong, with Apple Original Films behind the project. Tenzing has a reported runtime of 128 minutes and is rated TV-PG.
The Zurich Film Festival will give Tenzing its European premiere on September 24, opening the festival’s 22nd edition. The festival will run from September 24 to October 4, 2026, under this year’s theme, “Dream Big.” Festival CEO Christian Jungen has said the theme fits the story of the historic Everest expedition.
Hiddleston, Dafoe and Peedom are expected to attend opening night, giving Zurich audiences the first opportunity to see the film on the European festival circuit. Tenzing is also expected to premiere at the Telluride Film Festival before travelling to the Toronto International Film Festival for its Canadian premiere on September 15.
Following its festival run, Tenzing will receive a limited theatrical release on October 9, followed by its streaming release on Apple TV on October 16.
With its focus on one of mountaineering’s most famous achievements and a cast led by Hiddleston, Dafoe and Phuntsok, Tenzing is shaping up as one of the notable historical dramas of the fall. The film will first take audiences to the summit of Everest through the Zurich Film Festival before expanding to theaters and Apple TV in October.
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