Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Press Release

In the thin air above Switzerland, on the sheer rock-and-ice wall known as the Eiger North Face, an American climber is about to embark on the most perilous and meaningful ascent he has ever undertaken: an attempt to scale the legendary mountain that took his renowned father’s life. His extraordinary journey will take him from his home in Oregon to Europe’s majestic mountain range, the Alps, where he will explore a fascinating culture in which civilization exists in careful balance with nature; where he will witness the amazing feats of engineering that forged bridges, tunnels and charming villages amidst the peaks; where he will learn about the life-saving science of avalanches; and where he will confront his darkest fears and greatest potential as he climbs to honor his father. 

This is the emotional and exhilarating territory of The Alps, the latest film for IMAX® theatres from two-time Academy Award®-nominated producers MacGillivray Freeman Films, which opens at Fernbank Museum of Natural History on August 4, 2007. In the tradition of the company’s runaway hit, Everest, the film follows a stirring human story that unfolds in the midst of some of nature’s most awe-inspiring scenery. Narrated by Michael Gambon, who recently starred as Albus Dumbledore in the last two Harry Potter adventures, the film also features music from rock legends Queen.

The Alps celebrates the unsurpassed beauty of the Alps and the indomitable spirit of the people who live, climb and explore there. Viewers will get an unprecedented tour complete with a ride on the high-altitude Glacier Express train, stops in enchanting mountain villages, a bungee jump off Verzasca Dam and the rare chance to experience a triumphant ascent of the feared and revered Eiger North Face. 

“This film is a great fit for Fernbank because it delves into so many elements of natural history, intertwining the cultures of the Alps, the geological development of the mountains, the scientific study of avalanches and the remarkable beauty of nature,” said Fernbank’s President and CEO, Susan Neugent.

 “The grandeur of the Alps makes for an incredible match-up with the visual spectacle of IMAX theatre photography,” said producer Greg MacGillivray. “It is such an enticing location, filled with history and human accomplishments. More than that, though, our film is a human story about facing one’s fears and about family and family legacies. I think audiences will come away moved by John Harlin’s quest and stirred by the mountains and all the inspiration and joy that come from their beauty.” 

At the heart of the film is John Harlin III’s climb of the storied North Face of the Eiger, one of the world’s most celebrated peaks but also one notorious among climbers for unpredictable weather changes that can bring icy storms within minutes and crumbly stone that can cause deadly showers of falling rock.

Harlin and the Eiger have had a tenuous relationship for decades. Forty years ago, Harlin’s father – famed alpinist John Harlin II, considered one of America’s best mountaineers – set out to pioneer a bold new route straight up the Eiger’s 6,000-foot face.  At 4,000 feet, approaching the summit, Harlin’s rope broke, sending him to a tragic death that would shatter the lives of his family. Just nine years old at the time, John Harlin III has since been haunted by the Eiger – by its mythic allure and its deadly nature. 

Now, Harlin will face his inner demons and honor his father’s memory on a climb that is about much more than simply a physical achievement. For Harlin, the expedition is about following in his father’s footsteps by exploring why his father came to love the Alps, including its culture, people and endless ways of inspiring the human imagination – and giving that knowledge to his own young daughter. 

The Alps sweeps audiences into a land of hilltop villages and fairytale summits where iconic peaks – the Matterhorn and the Eiger– soar above an intricate network of trails, bridges and railroad tracks. Breathtaking vistas are everywhere as Harlin’s journey begins, and he explores how Swiss villages were engineered in harmony with the environment. Soon, he will join forces with his German climbing partners: Robert and Daniela Jasper. A rare married mountaineering couple, Robert has already ascended the Eiger more than a dozen times, and Daniela is acclaimed for her ice climbing skills – experience that will be handy as they prepare to tackle a mountain that has taken more than 50 lives in the last 60 years. 

John Harlin will also meet up with Professor Bruno Messerli, a scientist whose work has led to a better understanding of the alpine environment and how it might best be preserved for future generations. Viewers get a chance to watch how the Alps were formed millions of years ago, how they now provide both water and energy for people across Europe and how their surprising fragility needs to be kept in mind as more people make their homes in these alpine locales. John also joins avalanche scientist Christine Pielmeier as she explores the formation of avalanches and how their dynamics can become life-threatening. Viewers will be awe-struck by the film’s images of the second largest avalanche ever triggered by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Davos. 

Then it’s up into the staggeringly steep slopes themselves, where the film takes a historic turn with a thrilling re-creation of Edward Whymper’s infamous 1865 Matterhorn climb during which the team became the first ever to reach the sought-after summit, only to have four climbers fall to their deaths on the descent. Whymper’s climb sparked a fascination with the Matterhorn that continues to this day as more than 3,000 aspiring alpinists attempt to climb the famed towering pyramid each year. 

Finally, after weeks waiting for the right weather conditions, John Harlin sets out on the mission for which he has come so far – the Eiger North Face. Harlin and the Jaspers will experience the sensations and emotions that drive humans to test themselves on these slopes. And though Harlin must focus everything on the task at hand, his father is never far from his thoughts as he nears the summit. 

“The Eiger held a part of my soul captive for 40 years, and with this trip I was able to set myself free,” said John Harlin III of his achievement. “I always felt I had to do this climb, and yet the thing that I really came back with is that it’s my family that is the most important thing to me. Having climbed the Eiger North Face, I can now revel in spending time with my family more than ever.” 

The Alps, sponsored locally by Delta Air Lines, shows daily at Fernbank Museum from August 4, 2007-January 4, 2008. Fernbank will offer another opportunity to explore the world’s highest peaks with a special engagement of Everest during Friday-night Martinis & IMAX® from August 17-October 5.

Fernbank Museum is located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta. IMAX® tickets are $11 for adults, $10 for students/seniors, $9 for children 12 and under, and $6 for Museum members. To reserve tickets by phone, call 404.929.6400. For more information, visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

The Alps is produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films and presented by Holcim and Switzerland Tourism in association with 4iS Four Eyes AG.  The film is executive produced by Alexander Biner, produced by Greg MacGillivray and Mark Krenzien, and directed by Stephen Judson who also edited and co-wrote the film with co-writer Stephen Venables.  Brad Ohlund is the director of photography, Michael Brown is director of mountain photography and Ron Goodman is director of aerial photography.

www.alpsfilm.com

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