Koowutyas.ein X̱’ayáx̱ Á
Sealaska Heritage Institute graciously invited me to work with fifth graders at Auke Bay Elementary to make a documentary about educator Koowutyas.ein Daniel Brown. Collaborating with the young artist-filmmakers, their teacher Angie Wright, and our Executive Producer Linda Frame, was among the most fulfilling projects of my career. We hope you enjoy the short film that was made in the fall-winter of 2023-2024.
Xunaa Ḵu.éex’
The Association of Alaska School Boards graciously invited me to work with Aa.eegáakushée Alicia Duncan to capture the Xunaa All School Ḵu.éex’ on April 12, 2024. As you’ll see from the video, the annual celebration is full of beauty and a model of non-colonial education.
Lineage: Tlingit Art Across Generations
Made in 2017 in collaboration with Tlingit poet and storyteller Khaagwáask’ Ishmael Hope as co-director, the one-hour documentary takes viewers on an intimate journey into the lives of Tlingit artists. As Khaagwáask’ writes, “the film spends time with families whose works are present and of today, yet they’d make their ancestors proud, and their stories speak to the future.”
Wooshkindein Da.áat Lily Hope
“Healing Work” was filmed in the winter of 2021.
We produced “Between Worlds” in the spring of 2022.
The Artist with Shaankaláx̱t’ Ernestine Hayes
Made in collaboration with David Purdy, Mikko Wilson and the rest of the talented KTOO TV crew, this 2016 special works to learn more about this award-winning writer.
Working with students
The Northwest Coast Broadcasting Class at Hoonah Schools and I created this video about harvesting sʼikshaldéen (Hudson Bay Tea) in the fall of 2020. Topics include the difference between sʼikshaldéen and toxic bog rosemary, when to harvest, how to pick, having a positive mindset, how to process and more.
We produced Tsaa Kusteeyí (Hunting and Processing Seal) in the spring of 2021 with S’inaḵ Owen Lyle James.
Wooshkindein Da.áat Lily Hope’s artist statement
Wooshkindein Da.áat Lily Hope and I collaborated to create this video version of her artist statement in the winter of 2020.
The Flying University
This 2016 piece was supposed to be a short feature until collaborator David Purdy and I met Chris and the rest of this dynamic and passionate crew.
Chilkat and Ravenstail instructional weaving videos
I worked with Wooshkindein Da.áat Lily Hope and Sealaska Heritage Institute to produce this six-part instructional video series in the spring of 2020.
We also made an instructional dyeing series for her Patreon page. This is the “stinger” for YouTube and Instagram filmed in the winter of 2021.
Inside Out: Leaving Prison Behind
Made in collaboration with David Purdy in 2017, “Inside Out” follows three people in Juneau, Alaska from the moment they walk out of the prison gates.
The Artist with David Woodie
Made in collaboration with Mikko Wilson and the rest of the talented KTOO TV crew, this 2014 special works to learn more about this teacher and painter. I filmed the scene in David’s studio (11:28), and the university studio (22:27) with an early generation iPhone.