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EVEREST 1985: The first catalans of reaching the summit

In 1985, Catalonia witnessed a historic milestone: the first Catalans conquered the roof of the world. Forty years later, they reunite to celebrate that achievement, relive their adventures, and, above all, share once again the passion that unites them: the mountain. A story of adventure, perseverance, and, above all, friendship. A bond that has withstood the passage of time and a legacy that will endure forever.

  • Joel Badia Vila
    Director
  • Joel Badia Vila
    Writer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    EVEREST 1985: Els primers catalans en fer el cim
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Mountain, adventure
  • Runtime:
    35 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 5, 2026
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Spain
  • Country of Filming:
    China, Spain
  • Language:
    Catalan
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Torelló Mountain Film Festival
    Torelló
    Spain
    November 21, 2025
Director Biography - Joel Badia Vila

I’m Joel Badia, a lover of visual arts and documentary cinema. I’m deeply interested in telling people’s stories, exploring different ways of life, and—whenever possible—working in nature. I’ve spent the last six years working as a filmmaker, gradually moving toward documentary film, often collaborating with mountain brands to tell stories about athletes and their challenges.

I understand cinema as a tool to bring realities closer, to move us, and to transform.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Forty years after the first Catalan ascent of Everest, the
protagonists deserved to be remembered once again.
Today, their average age is seventy, yet they still maintain a
mountaineering spirit and a friendship that absolutely had to
be portrayed in this film.
I looked for to tell their story in the most natural way
possible, preserving their spontaneity and personality, while
embracing the drama inherent in the challenges of their
expedition.
Drawing parallels between the footage recorded during the
climb and their current mountain activities became the most
fitting way to narrate their journey immersively. Sound
design, music, and color are key elements in transporting us
back into that atmosphere.
The climbers themselves, their partners, and renowned
contemporary alpinist Ferran Latorre help us appreciate
how remarkable it was to reach that summit with the
equipment and resources available at the time. Emotions
were running high—and still are.