The Inner World of the Wives Supporting the Climbers is Also Meticulously Depicted

—Watching the film, from an amateur's perspective, I felt not just concern but even anger at the climbers' seemingly reckless challenges (laughs). What is the reason for repeatedly undertaking such difficult climbs, risking their very lives?



For example, asking a climber "Why do you climb mountains?" is like asking a globally active musician "Why do you make music?" There are many things in life that aren't black and white, and that's what I wanted to communicate.

—It's about "living with passion," isn't it?

That's right. While there might be a difference in the scale of risk between mountaineering and making music, in that one involves life and death, and the other doesn't.

—As a woman, I couldn't help but watch from the perspective of the wife, praying for their safety, and I was on edge the entire time. This film also focuses on those individuals and conveys their state of mind, doesn't it?

My wife, Chai Vasarhelyi, is often asked similar questions by people around us. But she is my biggest supporter, and she understands the dangers involved in climbing very well. Fundamentally, one cannot control their own destiny, and she understands and knows the importance of living with passion, even risking one's life, so she isn't overly worried; in fact, she supports me.

—The support from those who stand behind you must be immense.

Immensely. I, too, know well the importance of family and the people around us for Conrad Anker and Renan Ozturk, who challenged Meru with me this time. But I also wanted to clearly show that such dangers and anxieties are inherent in this kind of work. I'm not trying to justify it, but life is complex. As filmmakers, we want to explore those aspects as well.

—Of course, beyond the aspects that stir anxiety, I believe it's a film that inspires viewers and teaches the importance of overcoming challenges.

I hope so. Because my belief is that there are no shortcuts to achieving great goals, and I wanted to convey the importance of earnestly pursuing something meaningful, even if it's difficult.

When Mental Strength Transcends the Physical

—I was deeply impressed by Renan's incredible recovery after a tragic accident and serious injury during the three years between his initial failed attempt on Meru and his subsequent challenge. It demonstrated that human mental strength can transcend the physical.

That's absolutely true. I often work with athletes, so I frequently witness the phenomenon of the mind overcoming the body. It's not something that happens commonly, but this time, we truly saw a moment where such a miracle occurred.

—When Renan's health deteriorated near the summit of Meru and you spent a night in the tent, what were your and Conrad's state of mind?

In a situation like that, getting emotional would be a waste of energy. Instead of panicking or rushing, we focus our energy on calmly figuring out what needs to be done. While climbing, we are always thinking about how to descend and preparing for unforeseen circumstances. In that moment, we could only wait for his condition to improve.

Page02.Mountaineering Connects to Zen

Mountaineering Connects to Zen

—Climbers obviously need knowledge of mountains, climbing techniques, and judgment, but above all, I felt that mental strength, or being super positive, is crucial. Are you and the top climbers generally like that?





Because they have conviction in what they do, they understand and believe in themselves. To continue doing that requires making very positive choices. They also know the exhilaration of climbing and how much satisfaction and happiness it brings them. That becomes their guiding principle in life.

—And also, good luck helps, doesn't it?

That plays a part too. I think our perspective on life and death differs from that of ordinary people. While most people don't have to think much about their own death during their lives, for those of us who frequently face the brink of death, it inevitably influences our judgments and decisions.

—Does that mean your senses become sharpened?

There's an element of awakening. Knowing that life has an end makes every day, every second, feel incredibly significant.

—It changes how you live, doesn't it? Has achieving the summit of Meru changed anything for you?

I had been climbing mountains long before that, so it's not just about Meru. When you're climbing, there's nothing else, so you enter a state of 'nothingness.' In that state, you can clearly contemplate your life, which is a benefit. It's akin to 'Zen,' isn't it? Almost like meditation.


—Indeed, someone mentioned you have a calm aura, like a monk (laughs). Does climbing a mountain clear your mind?

That's also a goal. When I'm climbing, I'm at my best, and everything goes better than when I'm in the world down here (laughs).



'MERU/MERU'
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