Apple Original Films has significantly expanded its documentary slate with the acquisition of global rights to “The Last First: Winter K2,” a film chronicling a perilous 2021 expedition to summit the world’s second-highest peak. The documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, offers a complex look at the evolving culture of extreme mountaineering.
Directed by Amir Bar-Lev, known for documentaries like “My Kid Could Paint That,” “The Tillman Story,” and “Happy Valley,” “The Last First: Winter K2” focuses on the attempt by Icelandic mountaineer John Snorri Sigurjónsson and the Pakistani father-son team of Ali and Sajid Sadpara to achieve the first winter ascent of K2. The film distinguishes itself by showcasing not just the physical challenges of the climb, but also the increasingly layered dynamics at play on the mountain, including the presence of influencer climbers, commercial expeditions, and the team led by Nims, a Nepalese celebrity mountaineer, and his Sherpa team.
K2, located in the Karakoram Range straddling the border between Pakistan and China, is notoriously difficult to climb. Winter ascents are particularly dangerous due to the extreme cold, high winds, and increased risk of avalanches. The film, according to Apple’s press release, delves into the “strategy and determination, class and caste, money and power” that shape these expeditions, all unfolding under life-or-death circumstances.
The acquisition of “The Last First: Winter K2” signals Apple’s continued investment in high-quality documentary filmmaking. Producers Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens of Propagate Content emphasized the film’s human core, stating, “At its core, This represents a profoundly human story about the cost of ambition and the people left searching for answers.” They praised Bar-Lev’s “empathy and precision” in capturing the nuances of the expedition and expressed their enthusiasm for reaching a global audience through Apple TV+.
Owen Gleiberman, chief film critic for Variety, described the documentary as “engrossing,” but noted it diverges from typical “daredevil glory” climbing documentaries. Gleiberman characterized it as a film that “shows us the dark side of literally getting high,” suggesting a more critical and nuanced perspective on the motivations and consequences of extreme mountaineering.
The Sundance Film Festival saw a relatively quiet sales market this year, with several films remaining unsold as of . While Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite” secured a deal with A24 for over $12 million, and Neon acquired the horror film “Leviticus” for a seven-figure sum, other festival favorites are still seeking distribution. Apple’s acquisition of “The Last First: Winter K2” stands out as a significant win for the documentary amidst a more cautious market.
Apple’s track record at Sundance includes previous acquisitions of critically acclaimed and award-winning films. “Come See Me in the Good Light” received an Academy Award nomination after being acquired from the festival. Other notable acquisitions include the musical dramedy “Flora and Son” and the Academy Award-winning “CODA,” demonstrating Apple’s commitment to showcasing diverse and compelling stories.
The increasing commercialization of extreme mountaineering, as highlighted in “The Last First: Winter K2,” is a growing concern within the climbing community. The presence of influencer climbers and their film crews, alongside commercial expedition clients, raises questions about the impact of social media and financial incentives on the safety and ethics of these expeditions. The film appears to explore the tensions between traditional mountaineering values and the demands of modern media and marketing.
The film’s focus on the dynamic between experienced mountaineers like Sigurjónsson and Sadpara, and the influx of new climbers with different priorities, suggests a broader commentary on access and equity in extreme sports. The mention of “class and caste” in Apple’s description hints at an examination of the socioeconomic factors that influence participation and success in high-altitude mountaineering. The role of Sherpa teams, often essential for logistical support and safety, is also likely to be addressed, given the film’s attention to these dynamics.
Apple’s acquisition of “The Last First: Winter K2” reinforces its position as a major player in the documentary film space. The film’s compelling subject matter, combined with Bar-Lev’s established directorial talent, positions it as a potentially significant addition to Apple TV+’s growing library of original content. The film’s exploration of ambition, risk, and the human cost of pursuing extreme goals is likely to resonate with a broad audience.