A New Zealand feature film of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's ascent of Mt Everest in 1953 was well received at its official opening in Wellington on Tuesday night.
Beyond The Edge was shot on Mt Everest and in New Zealand's Southern Alps.
The film includes archival footage, photographs and audio from the 1950s, interwoven with new interviews with members of the ascent team and Sir Edmund's family.
Director Leanne Pooley says the film is an unabashedly New Zealand one and she is excited to hear what the public thinks.
Producer Matthew Metcalfe says the production required a monumental effort, as some filming was done at the summits of both Mt Everest and Aoraki Mt Cook.
The actor playing Sir Edmund, Chad Moffit, says the role is the biggest he has had and he now has a greater appreciation of what was achieved.
The film opens to the public on Thursday.
