Canberra-born filmmaker Jennifer Peedom joins us tonight for a Q&A discussion following our screening of her multi-award-winning documentary, which has played at film festivals all around the world – including London, Toronto, Telluride and Sydney.

At 6:45 AM on 18 April 2014, 16 Sherpas were killed in an avalanche at the Khumbu Icefall above Everest Base Camp. This was the worst tragedy in the history of Everest. Canberra-born-and-bred filmmaker Jennifer Peedom was there. We are privileged to have Jen introduce her acclaimed film and participate in a post-screening discussion with the audience.

At last count Sherpa had screened at 19 film festivals including London where it won the prestigious Grierson Award for Best Documentary. The Jury statement said: “We are taken into the lives, homes and families of the Sherpas who have for too long been overlooked and exploited, dependent for their livelihoods on an increasing number of tourists who sometimes regard them as little more than owned slaves. We’re left with an appreciation of the sacrifices the Sherpa community have made for over six decades. We applaud this impressive film for giving voice to a previously voiceless community and we hope it reaches the wide general audience that it deserves.”

I was lucky to see Sherpa when it opened the Stronger Than Fiction festival last year. I agree completely with the jury and understand why they gave the film the award. I’m really keen to see it again, especially after seeing the big-budget Everest at Coombs last year. Don’t miss this very special evening.