Interview: Blind Man, Teens Literally Scale Mountains in Awe-Inspiring ‘Blindsight’

Printer-friendly versionE-mail page to friendPDF version

CHICAGO – Set in the humbling peaks of the Himalayas, the Robson Entertainment documentary “Blindsight” redefines the true meaning of inspiration. East confronts West in this film that captures the journey of six blind Tibetan teenagers led by blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer to a place higher than anyone could ever imagine.

Erik Weihenmayer (left) and Tashi in “Blindsight”. Photo credit: Robson Entertainment

Filmed among the highest peaks in the world, director Lucy Walker examines the Weihenmayer’s pursuit – the only blind man to have climbed Mount Everest – along with teacher Sabriye Tenberken (the founder of a Tibetan school for the blind) in their pursuit toward solidarity.

RELATED IMAGE GALLERY View our full, high-resolution “Blindsight” image gallery RELATED READING Read more film reviews from critic Allison Pitaccio

Together they lead six blind teenagers toward the 23,000-foot peak of Lhakpa Ri, which is next to Mount Everest. The team faces altitude sickness, endurance, injury, weather and the greatest challenge of their lives.

Backgrounds on each teenager are explored and the cruelty and hardships of being blind in Tibetan society are exposed throughout the film. Dachung, Gyenshen, Kyila, Tashi, Tenzin and Nguyen are the blind teens who accept Weihenmayer’s challenge and allow the filmmaker access into their lives.

While Walker explores each teenager’s personal life, the 19-year-old Tashi becomes the film’s mascot. Homeless when discovered by Tenberken, Tashi’s story of being sold by his family and the scars of physical abuse are major heartstrings plucked throughout the film.

Tenberken’s school for the blind – called Braille Without Borders – has given these children hope. Her amazing courage brings together Weihenmayer’s indestructible passion for achievement.

“Blindsight”. Photo credit: Robson Entertainment

A team of expert climbers train the teens and guide them toward the peak of Lhakpa Ri in a grueling journey toward equality and solidarity. Walker keeps the fly-on-the-wall mentality and exposes various viewpoints.

Arguments build tension throughout the journey and the fine line between too much protection and letting go is challenged.

At times, there are scenes that are a bit tedious and full of extensive conversation. However, they often work in favor of building suspense among the rising tensions of the climbing party.

Enormous philosophical questions arise regarding camaraderie and togetherness versus how high they can be pushed. Ending with “the real blind summit,” the film closes and can’t help but make the viewer question his or her own journey in life.

In interviewing producer Sybil Robson from Chicago, she revealed several difficulties that came with the film’s production. Each crew member not only had to carry a minimum of 40 pounds on their backs during the expedition but they also faced five days in a negative 40-degree blizzard where solar-powered batteries had to be kept warm with body heat so they could resume shooting.

Robson also described the obstacles of mandatory shot lists needed by the Chinese government and permits required for each religious building filmed. When asked if she would take on a project like this again, she humbly stated: “There is life before ‘Blindsight’ and there is life after ‘Blindsight,’ but making this film has changed my life forever.”

The film’s setting makes for unbelievable cinematic imagery and the sequences of ice sculptures and jagged peaks are truly breathtaking.

“Blindsight”. Photo credit: Robson Entertainment

Director of photography Keith Partridge overcame incredible production feats throughout the filming of “Blindsight” from extreme weather and altitude issues. Still, he captured remarkable Tibetan scenes for the first time on in high definition.

Aside from the numerous heroes and heroines of the film, the major success of its production can be attributed to director Walker and producer Robson.

Robson added: “‘Blindsight’ is not a film about blindness. It’s a film about dreams. These kids have shown me that absolutely anything is possible.”

Maintaining an objective perspective, they have allowed each character to honestly express themselves and show the true nature of the human spirit. While taking a production team to the peaks of the Himalayas is an amazing feat in itself, actually creating an incredibly inspiring documentary in the process is nothing less than award worthy.

This is a film that not only every skeptical teen should be forced to swallow in the high school repertoire but also anyone in need of self-reflection in their lives should go and see.

By ALLISON PITACCIO Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com allee@hollywoodchicago.com