London – South African mountaineer and humanitarian Angela Yeung found herself transported back to the Himalayas at Thursday’s London premiere at The Curzon Mayfair of Tenzing.
The film’s account of Everest’s historic ascent resonated with her own experience of reaching the summit.
Directed by Jennifer Peedom, the film centres on Tenzing Norgay, played by Genden Phuntsok, and his ascent alongside Edmund Hillary, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston – and will premiere globally on Apple TV on 16 October 2026.
Yeung, a jewellery entrepreneur and philanthropist, summited Mount Everest in 2025 after a 50-day expedition via the North Side route.
Her climb supported the Impilo Collection Foundation’s campaign to provide bras to women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV) and vulnerable living conditions in SA.
The film explores Norgay’s life, the relationships that sustained him and the international adulation that followed his successful 1953 Everest ascent with Edmund Hillary – making him the world’s very first global celebrity from the Sherpa community.
“Watching Tenzing was deeply emotional for me, particularly as a mountaineer who has spent considerable time in the Himalayas and summitted Everest,” said Yeung.
“What I loved most was seeing this extraordinary chapter of history told from Tenzing Norgay’s perspective, with Genden Phuntsok bringing such humanity and dignity to the role and Jennifer Peedom directing the story with remarkable sensitivity.”
“The attention to detail was exceptional,” she added.
“The music, breathtaking scenery and personal relationships transported me straight back to the Himalayan region.
“I could all but feel the mountains again.
“Having experienced high-altitude mountaineering myself, I could relate deeply to the hardships portrayed – the unpredictable weather, physical exhaustion, difficult decisions, perseverance, and above all, the partnership and trust required to survive in that environment.
“The film captures something that is sometimes forgotten when we celebrate a summit: nobody gets there alone.”
Zambian-born BBC News anchor Lukwesa Burak, who attended the premiere with Yeung, said the film moved her deeply.
“I thought the film was fantastic because I thought it was a love story in two parts,” said Burak.
“First was Tenzing’s love for the mother goddess.
“‘Mother Goddess’ is the name of Everest in the local language and culture, so it is a revered mountain the British wanted to conquer.
“Tenzing’s love and respect for it came across so clearly.
“On the red carpet, a lady asked whether I could help her take some pictures.
“They turned out to be of Tenzing’s grandson (Norbu Norgay). He was the sweetest young man.
“I then met the grandson of the British woman who supported Tenzing and fought for him.
“We spent the whole evening together, and it was only at the end that he revealed who he was.”
“I loved the visual elements and the cinematography, particularly towards the end,” Yeung said.
“I just sat there and looked across at Angela, who was sitting behind me and thought, ‘You did that.’
“I was in awe. That is how I came away from watching the film: I was in awe.”
Yeung added: “Tenzing is not simply a story about reaching the summit of Everest.
“It is a story about courage, identity, partnership and the human spirit.
“I hope audiences will come away seeing not only a historic achievement, but the remarkable man behind it.
