MEI seed funding initiative brings documentary Chasing the Peak to the big screen
As part of the MEI Seed Funded project, “Engineering on Screen: Storytelling the Energy Transition,” we are thrilled to share the latest updates from our recent international events and look ahead to our major upcoming screening.
The retrofitted electric truck featured in Chasing the Peak. Picture: Claudio von Planta
Article by Dr Mitch Goodwin (Faculty of Arts) and Dr Claudia Sandberg (Faculty of Engineering and IT), University of Melbourne
An engineering rollercoaster
CHASING THE PEAK (Claudio von Planta, 2025) is a fascinating documentary following three Swiss engineers who retrofitted a truck with solar panels to attempt a high-altitude world record in the Chilean Andes. Despite a difficult journey that was plagued by technical setbacks, frustrations, and personal challenges, the team succeeded. They reached an altitude of 6,490 meters, setting a new world record for an electric truck. Moving from a workshop in Switzerland to irresistable landscapes of the Andes, this is a film made to be experienced on the big screen.
Recent pre-screenings in Chile
Through seed funding from the Melbourne Energy Institute, we recently hosted two successful pre-screenings in Chile:
- Punta Arenas: Presented at the Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Magallanes.
- Santiago: Hosted at the Universidad de Chile, featuring a live panel discussion.
We were privileged to be joined post-screening by director Claudio von Planta, Swiss team members David Pröschel and David Koller, and MEI Fellow, Professor Guillermo Narsilio for an insightful discussion on the realities of engineering the energy transition.
Engineering students Joaquín González and Irma Scheihing at the screening of Chasing the Peak at Universidad de Chile in Santiago on 21 April 2026. Picture: Dr Claudia Sandberg.
Innovation, adventure and inspiration: Students react to Chasing the Peak
Watch students from Universidad de Chile and Universidad de Magallanes share their reflections after watching Chasing the Peak. From innovation and sustainability to resilience and adventure, hear what inspired students most after viewing the documentary.
Souce: Dr Claudia Sandberg
Save the date: Melbourne screening
We are excited to officially open the MEI-sponsored 2026 Film Festival with Chasing the Peak!
- Location: The University of Melbourne
- Date: 20 August 2026
Mark your calendars, you won't want to miss this opportunity to see the documentary on the big screen. Stay tuned for registration details in the coming weeks.