Drum Song: The Rhythm of Life tells a widely relevant, socio-political story from an Indigenous perspective. It explores the climate crisis through the eyes of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples as they utilize their ancestral knowledge and modern science to adapt to the changing rhythms of seasons, cycles, and movements across eroding lands and melting Arctic ice. The global impact of the story feeds into the current and worldwide surge of politically conscious indigenous peoples demanding human rights, food sovereignty, and self-governance.
Directed by: Kelly Moneymaker

Shorts:
• Reclamation – 5:00

A musical celebration and companion piece to Kelly Moneymaker’s
Drum Song.
• Tides of Tradition – 9:47

In the community of Unalaska, an island on the Aleutian Chain, recent ecological shifts are threatening access to traditional foods and changing the ways they can be harvested.
• Usugilix Awakun – 11:14

After a community member died from eating blue mussels, a staple cultural food, Unangax̂ scientist Shayla began working with her tribe to research and understand the harmful blooms and what can hopefully be done about them.
• Gath & K’iyh: Listen to Heal -

In Alaska, community comes together to create music with Yo-Yo Ma as a critical part of collective healing and radical hope for the future.

Filmmakers in attendance —Q&A to follow.

GA $12 – Tickets will go on sale November 15th.

“Films Worth Freezing For”

AIFF’s mission is to develop, promote and sustain a film festival that supports new media and independent film making in Alaska and around the world while enriching cultural and entertainment opportunities for Alaskans. Our nonprofit organization continues to play a part in expanding film screening and production opportunities throughout the state.

By bringing filmmakers from all parts of the country and world to Alaska, we want artists to connect with people they might not otherwise meet, and engage audiences in workshops, screenings, and plenty of celebratory parties.