As The Anchorage International Film Festival embarks on its 18th season, we want to thank our incredible community for all of the support we have received over the years. Anchorage, and Alaska as a whole, is a melting pot of culture and talent that is unrivaled.
Before I became involved with AIFF, I had very little idea how this festival impacted so many lives. From our local student filmmakers, to our seasoned professionals and visiting filmmakers, AIFF has become a great resource to share ideas, knowledge and network with the creative community. AIFF has always been and will continue to be an advocate for our independent film community, which has grown significantly over the past several years.
It is no secret that Alaska is a magical destination, and because of that, it brings people together in unexpected ways. In the dead of winter, AIFF offers a bright light for 10 days every season. During our festival, we are fortunate enough to welcome several filmmakers from all over the world, creating lasting memories and friendships.
As the film industry changes, it is becoming more important than ever that we support independent film, and the surrounding community. The Anchorage International Film Festival is looking forward to sharing the work of so many talented storytellers this season and for years to come.
Thank you very much for your support and patronage. Gather up your friends and families and join us for 10 days of amazing stories from around the globe while we celebrate Films Worth Freezing For.
Termination Dust: White Walls Directed by: Ryan Syvertson Music video for Alaskas own "Termination Dust" and their song " White Walls"
Bodies of Water Directed by: Maya Salganek “Bodies of Water” is an exploration into loss, grief, guilt, and the confrontation of fear. The story follows Leona, a young woman who fails to prevent a tragedy. After running away from home, she becomes involved with a vaudevillian performance troupe, through which she confronts her darkest fears.
Last Request Directed by: Hannah Pratt Last Request follows Eli and Maya, lifelong friends who spend the weekend at Eli’s family cabin and accidentally awaken the soul of Eli’s great uncle Sam. Surrounded by the Alaskan wilderness, they must free Sam’s soul or Maya will drown in the icy waters of the Kenai.
Rocket Directed by: Tyson Paris-Hansen Trying to launch a rocket
Dear Satan Directed by: Mika McCrary Satan, Santa: how much difference does one letter make?
Wild Ice - Back Country Skating Alaska Directed by: Paxson Woelber "Backcountry skating" is the practice of hunting for wild ice, whether on on a river, lake, glacial lagoon, or inside an ice cave. Filmed in southcentral and southeast Alaska over the course of two winters, "Wild Ice" features members of Alaska's backcountry skating community including nordic bladers, hockey players, and figure skaters. Shot locations include Kenai Lake, the Portage Lagoons, Turnagain Arm, Wasilla Lake, Sheridan Glacier, Byron Glacier, and Portage Glacier
A Herring Opera Directed by: Tessa Schmidt In the small coastal town of Sitka, Alaska, the most dramatic signal of spring is the arrival of the herring. Massive fishing boats arrive from out of town to vie for the 'million dollar set,' local Alaska natives prepare to harvest herring eggs in the traditional way, and thousands of whales, seals and eagles crowd the ocean to eat the herring. This short nonfiction film presents all the bustle of springtime in Sitka in an operatic form, using classic opera pieces as a score of this modern but timeless struggle between nature, tradition, and technology.
