K2 is perhaps the most rugged mountain on Earth. Every year, ambitious climbers travel from all over the world to overcome these dangers. They derive great value and achievement from conquering the summit of this gigantic mountain. K2 and the Invisible Footmen explore the sacrifices of the unknown climbers – the porters who accompany and assist these foreign climbers on their perilous journeys for meager wages.
These operators are usually located in the region between Pakistan and China. “Our helplessness has brought us here,” admits one Pakistani porter. Filmmakers place themselves in their worlds. We witness their miserable living conditions, the children they must feed and house, and the limited opportunities they have access to.
Travelers often employ these local porters because their labor is less expensive than that of other expedition leaders. They often carry out the most dangerous missions of ascension. They carried heavy supplies on their backs.
Many of them now know the mountain like the back of their hands. However, their work hides immeasurable risks. One wrong move or a bad weather event can lead to some fatalities. In many cases it is.
Men were dissatisfied with this and considered forming a collective to demand higher wages. Occasionally they strike, but with little success. Their resolve crumbles when confronted with the concept of unemployment.
The setting can be deadly, but it’s also majestic. The film captures the pristine white slopes and snow-capped peaks with appropriate grandeur. On the other hand, we also experience the K2 from a carrier perspective. We have to feel every labored breath, every gentle step, and approaching cries for help. From a distance, the mountain exudes an air of tranquility and grandeur. But it’s a different experience when you’re trapped inside the belly of an animal.
K2 and the Invisible Footmen is a touching and insightful account of ordinary people who were not compelled to climb K2 out of exotic adventure or ambition. They do it because their lives depend on it.
Directed by: Daniele Anastasion
