Where to begin… I suppose with the end of an incredible week, filled with films, friends and phuking phenomenal phun!!!
Though the festival is still going, I planned the final two days of my trip to coincide with two days of excursions offered by the festival. The @anchoragefilmfestival ’s new directors, lol@patmcgee13 and @adamlinkenhelt invited their guest filmmakers to step out of the theaters and join them for some adventure, including an opportunity to explore the Matanuska Glacier. So, after hopping a bus with @greatlandadventures , strapping grippy cramp-ons to our feet, 37 filmmakers stepped out, into the cool December air, and made our way down to the glacier.
I expected its snow. I expected the crisp whiteness. But I was giddy with awe from the grandeur and otherworldly beauty of this powerful wall of moving blue ice. Words can’t capture the feeling, so I’m hoping these photos will help.
A huge thank you to Pat, Adam, Dawn, Todd and our guides for the day. A huge thank you to @ianebright for creating the film that brought us here (@thewaywespeakfilm ).
And thank you for the absolute wonder that is Alaska.
Looking back and Moving into the Future - in 2018, American Relapse screened at the Anchorage International Film Festival. Pat McGee, Greg Taylor and I were there, very proud yet humbled by our first dive into feature filmmaking. It was a project born out of sheer determination, (shot by Michael Goodman and Greg Taylor) made on long sleepless nights, wonderfully passionate debates, and many international phone calls with co-editor Terry Hahin in The Philippines. It was an independent team effort that opened doors for us, leading to the 10 episode docu-series on Vice, Dopesick Nation.
That year at AIFF was particularly memorable because the festival took place just days after the Anchorage earthquake- it was a time when the city and festival were in crisis. Despite the immense challenges, John and Ida and the rest of the festival team pulled together an unforgettable event. We saw firsthand the resilience warmth and dedication that made AIFF special.
Our connection deepened further when we returned with another feature film, From The Hood to the Holler, which ended up winning the audience award. The recognition wasn’t just a moment of pride for us; it symbolized the genuine bond we’ve built with the festival.
For Greg Pat and me, AIFF is more than just a stage for our work - it’s a community that embraced us.
Over the past two years, Pat served on AIFFs documentary jury, strengthening his relationship with the festival. Now, as Pat and I step into our new roles as Festival Directors, we’re honored to lead AIFF into a new era. Greg, a member of the prestigious Explorers Club, which includes greats like Jacques Cousteau and James Cameron, is curating a brand new award at the festival: The Explorers Achievement Award, celebrating films that push the boundaries of discovery and adventure.
AIFF has always been more than just films; it’s about community. It’s a place where filmmakers and audiences come together, share stories, and even embark on wild excursions like glacier tours and hot springs visits. The festival fosters genuine connections that last long after the credits roll.
Stay tuned as we celebrate the brave and the bold on screen!
As Cleveland International Film Festival 47 begins on March 22, I cannot help but remember last year's remarkable event and have tremendous gratitude. Our film FROM THE HOOD TO THE HOLLER was an official selection along with Daniel Roher's amazing Oscar-winning NAVALNY, and Sara Dosa's Acadamy Award-nominated FIRE OF LOVE. The CIFF program is always tops. Our team was completely surprised when CIFF'S Mallory Martin announced the festival's grand prize; the Roxanne T. Mueller Audience Choice Award for Best Film - FROM THE HOOD TO THE HOLLER! Completely in shock our team accepted the $15,000 prize and are humbled to this day to be recognized with so many great films. Also, it's important to give big thanks to sponsors like the Callahan Foundation who support substantial awards like the Roxanne T. Mueller Best Film. We need more heroes like the Callahan Foundation to support independent film.
An incredible evening to celebrate Prisoner of the Prophet on the big screen! Congrats to @everywomanstudios@motormind.tv@brielldecker and to everyone that made this documentary series possible. Screening now on @discoveryplus #grateful
I’m honored to be part of a talented group of filmmakers to help tell this important story. Thank you @abbygreensfelder@everywomanstudios and Kelly Sallaway @motormind.tv Lots of love and respect for Briell Decker, she is as brave and fearless as they come.
Excited to announce FROM THE HOOD TO THE HOLLER is in the running for the 95th Annual Academy Awards! Thanks @booker4ky for trusting us to help tell the story of your inspiring movement. Fingers crossed 🤞…Congrats to our small but talented team, amazing work!!
