Indie Alaska

Indie Films Series / 14 Seasons

INDIE ALASKA is an original video series produced by Alaska Public Media in partnership with PBS Digital Studios. The weekly videos will capture the diverse and colorful lifestyles of everyday Alaskans at work and at play. Together, these videos will present a fresh and authentic look at living in Alaska. Music by Starship Amazing.

1m

I am a Giant Cabbage Farmer | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E12 / 4m 41s

The long days and hours of daylight mean crops grow huge in the Last Frontier. Brian Shunskis has placed 3rd in the AlaskaStateFair giant cabbage competition for the past three years. Will 2015 be the year he takes home the big money? He's been feeding his cabbages all summer long a secret ingredient that just might make the difference.

Massive archeological discovery in Alaska | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E13 / 7m 14s

Three miles outside the village of Quinhagak, archeologists and locals are in a race against time to save thousands of native artifacts being carried away by erosion. Dr. Rick Knecht and his team work around the clock to preserve the past for future generations.

Pilgrimage to Spruce Island | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E14 / 5m 10s

Spruce Island is considered by many Orthodox Christians to be one of the holiest sites in North America. The island was home to the hermitage of Herman of Alaska during the early 1800s. Every year, in early August, the Orthodox Church in America celebrates the canonization of Saint Herman with a Liturgy, pilgrimage, and banquet.

Cleaning Alaska Beaches | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E15 / 7m 28s

For 11 years, the Gulf of Alaska Keeper (GoAK) has cleaned marine debris from remote Alaskan coastlines. In the summer of 2015, GoAK organized a large-scale project to collect debris from across the Gulf of Alaska by barge and helicopter. Approximately 440 tons of debris was taken to Seattle, where it will be sorted and disposed of or recycled.

I am George the Magpie | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E17 / 2m 47s

"George" is a crowd favorite at the Alaska Zoo. The magpie voluntarily came to the zoo years ago, and was eventually adopted. George now has his own Facebook page and is known for his ability to talk.

I Am a Forensic Investigator | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E18 / 4m 26s

Dr. Ryan Harrod recently buried some strange remains in the woods behind the University of Alaska Anchorage. Join his team of student investigators and find out more about the world of forensic anthropology.

We are the Wolf Pack | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E19 / 4m 28s

Tim Lescher spends his days caring for the Alaska Zoo animals as if they were his own. But one family of wild canines sit closest to his heart. Having spent two years working at the zoo, Tim now strives to show the public that wolves are friendlier creatures than often portrayed in myth and popular culture.

100Stone | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E20 / 4m 27s

Sarah Davies struggled with suicidal thoughts and chronic illness for most of her life. After discovering the cause of these symptoms and finding the solutions she was motivated to share her story.

I Make Alaskana Pop Art | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E21 / 3m 52s

For this born and raised Alaskan, "Alaskana pop art" is a vehicle for exploring his Alaskan heritage and the modern world at large. This mural installation took place at Anchorage Community Works, community art and music space in Anchorage, Alaska.

I Am a Universe Photographer | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E22 / 4m 32s

With the help of high-powered telescopes around the world, scientists can observe and photograph far-flung astronomical phenomena. Dr. Travis Rector has been capturing images of distant galaxies and nebulae for over 20 years, and he recently completed a book explaining the techniques he uses to create the photos.

I am an Ice Truck Racer | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E25 / 3m 49s

Chris Lamson built his first truck when he was seventeen and now spends winter weekends racing trucks on Big Lake, Alaska with a community of four-wheeling enthusiasts. He is dedicated to racing and hopes to see the sport grow in Alaska.

I am a Stone Cold Curler | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E26 / 3m 8s

Vicky Persinger comes from four generations of Fairbanks curlers. She grew up riding the rocks at Alaska's oldest curling club--which just happens to be older than the state. She someday hopes to toss those rocks down the ice in the winter Olympics.

Archiving Alaska's History | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E27 / 6m 20s

When old Alaskan film reels find their way from dusty basements to the Alaska Film Archives in Fairbanks, Angie Schmidt's job is to restore and maintain the footage. Having found her own Alaskan adventure through her role as the head archivist, Angie holds a deep understanding of Alaska's history and is committed to restoring a collection of 2,000 "Alaska Review" raw tapes.

We Are Super Cub Pilots | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E28 / 5m 25s

Each year pilots from around the state show off their piloting chops in the Valdez fly-in short takeoff and landing competition. For these pilots flying isn't just means of transportation, it's a way of life.

We Are Pulse Dance | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E30 / 3m 14s

A lifelong dancer and choreographer Stephanie Wonchala directs Pulse Dance, a dance company in Anchorage that promotes dialogue about important issues in Alaska and contributes to creating a thriving Anchorage arts community.

Life at a Remote Research Camp | INDIE ALASKA

S6 E31 / 5m 9s

What's it like to unplug from society and live at a remote research camp in Alaska for a summer? These five researchers take us through the day-to-day life on the shoreline of the Tutakoke river in the Yukon Delta.

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