Just fifteen minutes. That was all the mountaineer Edmund Hillary and the Sherpa Tenzing Norgay allowed themselves to linger on the summit of Everest. It was 11:30 in the morning on May 29, 1953, and at an altitude of 8,848 meters there was no time for celebrations. They had reached the highest point on Earth, but they still had to descend. For Tenzing, moreover, this wasn’t just any mountain: it was Chomolungma, the “Mother Goddess of the World,”, a sacred place for his culture; as a devout Buddhist, he left a food offering.
Hillary was the one who took the photographs. In one shot, Tenzing appears alone, wielding an ice axe, with the flags of Nepal, India, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations billowing above the summit. There is no equivalent image of the New Zealand climber: Tenzing did not know how to use the camera, and at that moment the priority was to get out alive, not to make photographic history. Now, thanks to the immersive experience Everest, The First Ascent, that visual gap not only disappears, but the viewer ceases to be a passive subject and, alongside the British expedition, experiences this legendary account of determination, perseverance, and teamwork.
Everest, The First Ascent
The production, created by Eclipso Cultural Adventures and co-produced with Small Creative, is currently competing at Venice Immersive, the official section dedicated to virtual reality and immersive works of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. Directed by Jean Dellac and Benjamin Auriche, the piece forms part of the festival program held from September 2 to 12, 2026 at Venice Immersive Island, on the Isola del Lazzaretto Vecchio.
The selection places this new experience on one of the major international showcases for virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive works, and recognizes a commitment that blends historical rigor, technological innovation, and a deeply human narrative.
Journey to the Roof of the World from Barcelona and Seville
Following its run at the Italian festival, the arrival of Everest, The First Ascent in Barcelona and Seville—now you can join the waiting lists to secure your ticket—will solidify these cities as major European benchmarks in immersive cultural experiences. The proposal broadens Eclipso’s catalog, which has already brought audiences closer to major historic events such as Titanic: Echoes from the Past, Space Explorers: The ISS Experience, and Coliseum: The Mythical Stage.
