Festival Program 본문
Festival Program / Talking in Nature
Tabei Junko: The Path She Left Behind
Schedule
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09.28 Sun 14:30
Alps Cinema 2
PROGRAM
The First Woman of Everest, an Unfinished Story
2025 is a monumental year in the history of mountaineering. It marks the 50th anniversary of Tabei Junko becoming the first woman to summit Mount Everest in 1975. She was more than just a climber; she was an icon of her era who challenged the realm of the 'impossible' and inspired women all over the world.
At the heart of this special program is the film Climbing for Life, directed by the master Japanese filmmaker Sakamoto Junji. Screening as an Asian Premiere, the film portrays her magnificent life, from the glorious moment she stood atop the world's highest peak to her final days of battling illness without ever letting go of the mountains.
To mark this special occasion, the program will begin with the 'Union of Asian Alpine Associations Tabei Junko Award' ceremony, honoring her spirit of challenge. After witnessing how her legacy continues through this year's recipient, Captain Kim Young-mi, we will then immerse ourselves in the deep emotions of the film. And after the film, the event will conclude with a special talk with her son, Tabei Shinya of the Tabei Junko Foundation, offering a chance to understand her on a more profound level.
■ Date & Time: Sep. 28 (Sun), 14:30
■ Venue: Alps Cinema 2
■ Program: 'Tabei Junko Award' Ceremony, Film Screening of Climbing for Life, and a Special Talk with Tabei Shinya.
■ Participants:
Talk: Tabei Shinya(Tohoku High School Students Climb Mt Fuji Project Manager)
Award Recipient: Captain Kim Young-mi
*This event will be conducted with Japanese-Korean consecutive interpretation only. English interpretation will not be provided.
Climbing for Life
Japan | 2025 | 130 min | Color | Fiction
In 1975, Junko became the first woman to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain. Her triumph inspired the world but also cast a quiet shadow over those closest to her. Even after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, she kept climbing, smiling as she told loved ones, “I laugh when I’m in pain.” As a climber, mother, wife, and human being… what was it that Junko truly saw beyond the peak?
GUEST
Kim Young-mi
She loves the trembling moments faced in the wild, far from the world, and the profound stillness felt where the sounds of nature are most vivid. She began climbing the Himalayas in 2003 and achieved her dream of summiting the highest peaks on all seven continents in her 20s. In January 2025, relying solely on her two feet, she completed a solo crossing of Antarctica - 1,786 km in 70 days. She is currently preparing to share this journey through a book and a documentary.
