The Alps, a towering docu, to premiere at IMAX

MANILA, Philippines – The Alps, an outstanding adventure documentary, will get its premiere screeing at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at the IMAX Theatre at the SM Mall of Asia. This was announced on Thursday by Ian Thackwray, chief operating officer of Holcim Philippines Inc., the cement company, which is sponsoring the event, along with the Embassy of Switzerland. Friday happens to be the Swiss National Day, and watching the movie is one good way to celebrate it. The Alps is the true story of a celebrated mountaineer John Harlin III as he makes an expedition to reach the summit of the 6,000-feet Eiger Mountain, one of the highest and most dangerous peaks of the Alps. This peak, which had been the setting of a 1975 Clint Eastwood movie, The Eiger Sanction, had claimed the life of Harlin's father 40 years ago. The film not only gives fascinating information about mountaineering but also gives viewers breathtaking footage of the Alpine scenery and the life and culture of the people of the Swiss Alps. "The Alps symbolize Holcim's roots as a Swiss global company," Thackwray said. "The film shows the Alps in its full diversity and majestic beauty. Holcim is pleased to present a work which reflects our own values. The Alps shows the strength, performance and passion that drive our people to achieve nothing short of the best and who work together towards their goals." The Alps is produced and distributed by MacGillivray Freeman Films, maker of the globally acclaimed documentary shorts, Everest, Dolphins, and The Living Sea. The producers are Greg MacGillivray and Academy Award nominee Mark Krenzien. The film is directed by Stephen Judson who also wrote the script with Stephen Venables. Michael Gambon, one of the United Kingdom’s leading actors, narrates the documentary, with background music by Queen. The film was shot with the panoramic IMAX cameras in the most challenging locations, with state-of-the-art editing and a great musical score to capture the spirit of the Alps. "In addition to its advanced cinematography and the stunning backdrop of the natural scenery, I believe this film has a quality that will inspire anyone who sees it," Thacwray said. Holcim will also hold special screenings for students, its partner organizations, and its beneficiaries. The Alps will run at the IMAX until September 27. For more information about the film, visit www.alpsfilm.com. - GMANews.TV