The Days of Summer

I worked first part of this summer on a wildland firefighting crew which pulled me away from Anchorage for may, june and most of July. I have returned with renewed focused, as well as a more broad perspective and network of AK contacts. Got equipped with laptop etc., and began editing footage... trying to get a short film out for sale for this saturday's Renewable Energy Alaska Fair @ Delaney Park Strip in Anchorage(did not sell film; check out 08/18/09 update @ end of post for details and video interview).

Definitly feeling a little overwhelmed: dvd for sat is basically a preview of the film I want to try to make; will need addition of footage from this fall's (2009) trip. Trying 2 tackle social issues like high suicide rates and environmental issues like climate change in an effective, artistic, intelligent method is going 2 take more time, further reflection and more interviews. I believe that these things interrelate and that solutions lie in providing the next generation of Alaskans with opportunities to find themselves within the creative process, and apply their talents constructively to improve the conditions of our world.

What I have put together is a good start, and it will include extensive video explanation of Yukon River Media Project and lays out vision 4 some other Last Frontier Eco Alliance objectives: 1)local Anchorage -based Green Employer Council, 2)350.org October Event 3)Young Film Maker Projects in rural Alaskan Communities.

Film is definitly very effective way to communicate and I know I should have reached out with media long before this. I hope this will bring positive exposure 2 work in short term and also long term 2 Alaska social and environmental challenges and solutions with documentary film. Have not slept much and am sort of a wreck, look forward 2 getting back 2 a paying job 4 a while after the Renewable Energy Fair and before this fall's river trip. Will have some cool pictures up soon before this saturday as well as possibly preview clip of film, thanks for patience and support.

UPDATE: I decided to wait and hold on to my video work, but here is a video interview I did with Daphna Michaelson http://www.50in52journey.com/states/Alaska13.asp I am updating this blog post on 8/18... got pulled away from Anchorage for another fire tour on the 2nd of August right after the fair... Check out Daphna's great website and awesome project that is enabling so many with connections and exposure!