Forty years ago, his father died attempting to climb the north face of Switzerland’s notorious Eiger. It was now his turn to make the ascent.

The Alps, a new film showing at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s Omni Theater, chronicles American John Harlin III’s attempt to climb the infamous mountain, known for its avalanches and falling rocks.

“The grandeur of the Alps makes for an incredible match-up with the visual spectacle of IMAX theater photography,” said Oscar-nominated producer Greg MacGillivray in a statement.

“It is such an enticing location, filled with history and human accomplishments. More than that, though, our film is a human story about facing one’s fears and about family and family legacies.”

The film, directed by Stephen Judson and produced by MacGillivray and Mark Krenzien, features impressive cinematography by Rod Goodman, inventor and operator of SpaceCam, the aerial photography system used to capture the ascent.

The striking Swiss scenery and stunning photography take the audience on an exciting bird’s eye view of the Eiger.

As Harlin approaches the location on the mountain where his father died, the tension dramatically increases.

As he crosses the milestone, Harlin feels relief, but he still has a long way to the top.

“The Eiger held a part of my soul captive for 40 years, and with this trip, I was able to set myself free,” he said.

Watching Harlin and his crew struggle to climb the face brings heart-stopping moments as they occasionally slide and lose their footing, stretching lifelines and equipment to their limits.

Harlin’s emotional quest to conquer the face is moving and inspiring. It is amazing how filmmakers could record the ascent. After enduring a long, hot North Texas summer, filmgoers come away wishing they were on the next plane to Switzerland.

The film, the sixth in the filmmaker’s Great Adventure Film series, is narrated by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince actor Michael Gambon and includes music from legendary rock band Queen.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.fortworthmuseum.org, by phone at 817-255-9540, or at the theater’s ticket office at 1600 Gendy St. in Fort Worth’s cultural district.

Admission is $7 for adults and $6 for children (age 3-12) and seniors (age 60).

Although the museum building is currently under construction, the theater is open Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday 11:45 a.m.-5 p.m.

Check online at www.fortworthmuseum.org for showtimes and parking information.