Archive notice: This article was originally published on August 20, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
During the descent through the Diamir Valley, Günther Messner, weakened by altitude sickness, was killed by an avalanche. The screenplay is based on the events Reinhold Messner describes in his book “The Naked Mountain.”
Vilsmaier (“Autumn Milk,” “Comedian Harmonists,” “Stalingrad”) is being accompanied to Pakistan by a team of 13 specialists, including Reinhold Messner, who is advising the director. Messner has climbed Nanga Parbat several times and knows the mountain’s landscape structure almost better than anyone. The team also includes extreme mountaineer and location scout Leo Baumgartner and two specialists in altitude sickness. Alongside four camera operators and an experienced documentary filmmaker, veteran helicopter pilot Hans Ostler is also on location. Together with Vilsmaier, he is responsible for the special cameras.
Filming is taking place at altitudes above 6,500 meters using special cameras and equipment. Vilsmaier is also receiving support from Pakistani military helicopter pilots, whose aircraft have the technical capabilities needed to fly at these extreme altitudes.
The main shoot begins in spring 2009 at the Ortler in South Tyrol, with further filming days also planned at Nanga Parbat. The drama is expected to reach German cinemas at the end of 2009.
