Apple TV’s Tenzing Brings Australian Filmmaking Talent to a Global Story
Apple TV is bringing the extraordinary story of mountaineer Tenzing Norgay to audiences around the world, with Australian filmmakers playing a significant role behind the new Apple Original Film Tenzing.
The film is directed by award-winning Australian filmmaker Jennifer Peedom, whose acclaimed documentaries Sherpa, Mountain and River have explored extraordinary landscapes and the relationship between people and the natural world.
Based on true events, Tenzing tells the story of Tenzing Norgay, the Himalayan climber who, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, became the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953.
Genden Phuntsok stars as Tenzing Norgay, with Tom Hiddleston portraying Edmund Hillary. The cast also includes Willem Dafoe, Caitríona Balfe, Thinley Lhamo and Tenzin Dalha.
The film explores Tenzing's journey to Everest and the different perspectives surrounding the historic expedition, including his spiritual connection to Chomolungma, the Tibetan name for Everest, as well as the cultural and social divisions within the climbing team.
Australian Talent Behind the Global Production
Behind the story is a significant team of Australian filmmaking talent.
For Jennifer Peedom, Tenzing builds on a longstanding connection to the Himalayas. Her acclaimed 2015 documentary Sherpa examined the experiences of the Sherpa community working on Mount Everest, providing a perspective on the people, culture and landscape at the heart of the new film.
On Tenzing, Peedom serves as director, producer and co-writer of the story, bringing that experience to the dramatic retelling of Tenzing Norgay's historic ascent.
She is joined by Australian screenwriter Luke Davies, who wrote the screenplay, developed the story with Peedom and serves as a producer. Davies' previous credits include the Academy Award-nominated Lion.
Australian producer Liz Watts is also among the film's producers, alongside Emile Sherman and Iain Canning of See-Saw Films and producer Desray Armstrong. Australian cinematographer Stefan Duscio also served as director of photography.
The Australian Classification Board lists Apple Studios, See-Saw Films and Peedom's Stranger Than Fiction Films among the production companies behind the film, with Australia and the United States identified as its countries of origin.
From Australian Filmmakers to Global Audiences
Tenzing has already begun its international journey, with the film premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September before its London premiere on 1 October.
Its global release on Apple TV will now bring the work of its Australian filmmakers to audiences around the world.
With Australian creatives contributing across directing, writing, producing and cinematography, Tenzing is another example of Australian filmmaking talent helping shape ambitious stories for global screens.
Tenzing premieres globally on Apple TV on 16 October 2026
Source: Tiff
