New doc about local mountaineering family to screen at SIFF

The new locally produced documentary "Return to Mt Kennedy" chronicles the expedition of the sons of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and mountaineering icon Jim Whittaker, and features original music by Eddie Vedder.

In 1965, Robert Kennedy was the first man to summit Mount Kennedy in the Yukon Territory, named in honor of his late brother. Leading that expedition was Jim Whitaker, the first American to summit Everest and original fulltime employee of REI. 50 years later, Jim's sons Bob and Leif, along with Christopher Kennedy, decide to climb the mountain again in honor of their fathers' joint accomplishment and unique friendship. Seattle-based filmmaker Eric Becker's touching documentary combines archival footage—including several Kennedy home movies—with interviews from Jim himself and those who them best as we follow three sons and the journey literally in their fathers' footsteps.

The biggest focus is on Bob, who began his career as a groupie-turned-tour manager for Seattle grunge legends Mudhoney, which would lead him on to work with bands like R.E.M. and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs; now he leads government-based environmental projects in Eastern Washington. With the original intention of reconnecting with his father, brother, and the vastness of nature around him, Bob learns more than expected about himself and why he does what he does.

The documentary features original music by Eddie Vedder, never-before-seen archival footage, and includes interviews with Sub Pop records co-founder Bruce Pavitt, mountain guide Dave Hahn, and members of the original climbing team. The film will have it's World Premiere on May 25 as the opening night film of the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival.

Screenings:

Saturday, June 2 at 3:30pm at Kirkland Performance Center

Saturday, June 9 at 6:30pm at SIFF Uptown

Sunday, June 10 at 3pm at SIFF Uptown

Director Eric Becker and other special guests will attend the screenings.

Official website

SIFF website