The films
The 1920 documentary South, which tells the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition to cross Antarctica, is being paired with Call of the White. South includes the dramatic footage of the destruction of Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, by pack ice. This expedition became the greatest story of survival in the history of exploration: the team spent more than six months living on ice floes, in open rowing boats and finally on a deserted island before a party of six men led by Shackleton crossed the roughest stretch of ocean on Earth as well as an unmapped island in order to reach civilisation.The Oscar-nominated documentary of the first ascent of Everest by Hillary and Tenzing in 1953, The Conquest of Everest, will also be screened alongside a gripping documentary called The Fatal Game that tells the story of a mountain guide who has to choose between remaining with his client or saving himself near the summit of the world’s highest mountain in the 1990s.
Dine with an Everest climber
On the evening of October 1 there’s an exclusive opportunity to dine with Everest summiteer Paul Deegan to raise money for the Kopila Valley Children’s Home & School, a charity run by Maggie Doyne. At the age of 18, Maggie invested her life savings in a plot of land in Nepal to build an orphanage for children whoseparents were killed during the country’s brutal civil war. Five years on, Maggie has personally adopted 40 children and built a school for 250 students.Special children’s event
Youngsters can join Everest mountaineer Paul Deegan on a virtual ascent of Mount Everest one week after From Everest to Antarctica on Saturday, October 8 at 2pm. During this interactive presentation, children decide how to travel from Phoenixville to Everest Base Camp, learn about the Sherpas who inhabit the valleys surrounding the mountain, and work out ways to reduce the expedition’s environmental footprint. They select the clothing and equipment needed to survive in sub-zero temperatures, choose the climbing route to the summit, and discover the secret of the Yeti. Ideal for 8-12 year olds. Tickets ($8.50) can be purchased via www.phoenixvilleadventure.com or by calling 610.917.1228.Supporters
From Everest to Antarctica is being supported by several local organizations including: Chef Andrew Deery’s celebrated restaurant, Majolica; Chaddsford Winery; and The Wooden Spoon Bakery Café which is run by climberJulie Zlogar.Interviews & photography
Paul and Felicity are available for interview. To arrange an interview, or for photography to accompany this story, call Kirsten Van Vlandren on 610.917.1228. Biographical information on Paul Deegan and Felicity Aston can be found at http://www.phoenixvilleadventure.com/speakers.About The Colonial Theatre
The Colonial Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Phoenixville, Pennsylvania at 227 Bridge Street. Opened in 1903, the Colonial is the last surviving offour theatres once existing in the borough and is the only theatre of its kind in Chester County. In its early days, the Colonial was home to live stage shows, vaudeville acts and musicals including appearances by Harry Houdini and Mary Pickford. Real movie buffs know that the Colonial was featured in the 1958 science fiction classic, The Blob, starring Steve McQueen and filmed in and around Phoenixville.The theatre is owned and operated by the Association for the Colonial Theatre (ACT), a nonprofit corporation, which re-opened the theatre in 1999. The Colonial’s programming includes art and independent films seven nights a week, classic films, children’s programs, live concerts, and community events. ACT is committed to the full restoration of the Colonial as a cultural arts center. Find out more about the Colonial at www.thecolonialtheatre.com. The mission of the Association for the Colonial Theatre is to enhance the collective well-being of our region by restoring the landmark Colonial Theatre and promoting cultural, economic and civic life. To that end, ACT presents film, live theatre, music, dance and other community events in the heart of Phoenixville’s historic business district.
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