BEYOND THE EDGE Advance Screening: Fundraiser for Outdoor Ed

The Auckland Grammar School Old Boys' Association (AGSOBA) and New Zealand Alpine Club, Auckland Section (NZAC) are co-hosting this special screening - before the official Wellington première at the end of October.

Beyond the Edge is the feature film about Sir Edmund Hillary's monumental and historical ascent of Mt. Everest in 1953 - an event that stunned the world and defined a nation. It also defined Sir Ed as perhaps Grammar's most famous Old Boy ('31), if not the most famous New Zealander. The feat inspired the imaginations and activities of generations to follow.

Hillary joined the New Zealand Alpine Club in 1945. He was made a life member in 1953 and from 1965 served a two-year term as president.

Producer Matthew Metcalfe (AGS '86) and Director Leanne Pooley will be joined by special guests from NZAC in a Q&A session to review the concept and creation - and challenges - of making Beyond the Edge.

- Arrive from 5.30pm
- Welcome 6pm
- Movie starts 6.30pm
- 92 minute film
- Q&A until 8.30pm

Tickets are via Eventfinda only - no door sales.
This venue will sell out - so please don't wait and be disappointed.
This showing will not be in 3D.
Proceeds will be support initiatives of the NZAC and AGSOBA. Thank you for your support!

Parking and meal options at Sylvia Park are plentiful.

It had been some 24 years since Orakei native Matthew Metcalfe ’89 had been in the Main Hall at Auckland Grammar School. When he attended an assembly in May marking the 60th Anniversary of the ascent of Mt Everest, he would not have known as a school boy that he would be involved in what could now be the most memorable film release of this year . Matthew Metcalfe ’89 is an award winning producer and writer and had the adventure of a lifetime producing Beyond the Edge, the true story of the conquest of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and the 1953 English expedition, with recognised filmmaker and director Leanne Pooley (Topp Twins – Untouchable Girls) . Beyond the Edge is the feature film about Sir Edmund Hillary's monumental and historical ascent of Mt. Everest in 1953 - an event that stunned the world and defined a nation. It also defined Sir Ed as perhaps Grammar's most famous Old Boy ('31), if not the most famous New Zealander. The feat inspired the imaginations and activities of generations to follow.

Matthew’s production for Giselle, a feature with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, coincided with Beyond the Edge scheduling – and both screened as world premieres at the Toronto international Film Festival in September. Beyond the Edge was runner up for the TIFF People’s Choice Award.

Grammar is proud to have sparked the creative talents and organisational edge of not only Matthew, but Grant Major ONZM ’69 who had the astounding job of production designer on this project. Grant is an Oscar winner for LOTR The Return of the King (2004) and was bestowed the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to the NZ Film industry and he has received numerous accolades from the international film community. At a reception after the May assembly, Matthew introduced a trailer for the film. At the time, Matthew committed to assist the Old Boys with a fundraising endeavour including the film. On Monday 7 October, the AGSOBA and NZ Alpine Club hosted over 400 at Hoyt’s Sylvia Park . Attendees were treated to welcomes from the NZ Alpine Club and Matthew invited Leanne Pooley to attend. The pair entertained questions from the audience afterwards. Funds raised from the exclusive premiere support NZAC and AGSOBA initiatives involving outdoor education.

In addition to these Old Boys’ involvement, Auckland Grammar School has a bit of a role and features in the fillm during flashback scences of Ed’s life as a school boy at Grammar. A number of masters and students helped during these important scenes – you may even be able to spot one of them in the film!

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