Kiwi film retracing Shackleton journey premiers online

A short film, shot by Sir Peter Blake’s son James, that retraces one of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s most perilous and desperate journeys has premiered online today.

The Last 36 was filmed by James Blake, and follows the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition to South Georgia to mark the centenary of the first crossing of the island.

The expedition retraced Shackleton, Frank Worsley, and Tom Crean’s heroic journey to get help for the crew of the ill-fated ship, ‘Endurance’. This remains one of the most remarkable survival stories in history.

James Blake was one of three young people chosen for the crossing, alongside Sinéad Hunt from Ireland and Tom MacTavish from New Zealand. The three were selected to honour the nationalities of the original explorers; Shackleton from England, Crean from Ireland and Worsley from Akaroa, New Zealand.

Antarctic Heritage Trust (AHT) Executive Director Nigel Watson completed the journey with the three young explorers and two professional guides from One Ocean Expeditions in late 2015.

“It was an eye-opening journey. Even with all of our modern equipment we were up against the elements. It certainly gave us a tiny insight into that last chapter in Shackleton’s remarkable journey.”

Nigel Watson says Inspiring Explorers’ Expeditions are part of the Trust’s efforts to engage young people with the spirit of exploration, something he believes is still critical in the 21stcentury. He hopes the release of The Last 36 will support this.

“Sharing this short film, which is beautifully shot and wonderfully edited, is a great way to inspire people with one of the world’s greatest polar exploration stories. Each of our Inspiring Explorers is asked to go out and share their story in the hope they will encourage people to step out and explore the world around them.”

The Last 36 will be shared via the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s website.

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