Tag: Alaska Native Heritage Month

Alaska Native/Indigenous People

Film Screening: Attla at the Anchorage Museum

Angela Gonzalez
The Anchorage Museum presents ATTLA (2019).
Director: Catharine Axley
Run Time: 61 min.
Rating: Not Rated
Release Year: 2019
Featuring: George Attla, Joe Bifelt, Rose Attla Ambrose

The Anchorage Museum is screening Attla on Thursday, Nov. 13, 6:30–8 p.m. in the Auditorium. The powerful documentary about legendary Huslia sprint musher George Attla was directed by Catharine Axley and featured on PBS’s Independent Lens (2019). The film interweaves interviews and archival footage as Attla comes out of retirement to train his grandnephew Joe Bifelt, carrying his legacy forward.

He was an icon for me growing up, and for so many across Alaska! It’s exciting to see new audiences still discovering legendary George Attla’s story. 

“Sharing stories like this helps remind us that resilience, determination, and connection to place are powerful forces,” says Janet Asaro of the Anchorage Museum. Independent Lens aptly called Attla “a rare sports film that blends the excitement of sprint mushing with the humanity of a cultural icon.”

While you’re there, visit the museum’s Dog Show exhibition, a heartfelt look at how dogs help us live, work, and connect, from sled teams in the North to pets and working dogs across the U.S. It highlights the deep human–dog bond and how it shapes culture and everyday life.

Details & tickets ($8; $5 for members): Check the Anchorage Museum website for the Nov. 13 screening of Attla.

Alaska Native/Indigenous People

Spirit of the Wind (1979): Anchorage Screening & Fundraiser

Angela Gonzalez
Spirit of the Wind (1979) Presented by AMIPA and Doyon Foundation
Director: Ralph Liddle 
Run Time: 103 min. 
Rating: PG 
Release Year: 1979
Starring: Pius Savage, George Clutesi, Slim Pickens, Chief Dan George, Rose Attla Ambrose

Here’s a rare chance to see Spirit of the Wind (1979), the biopic about my great-uncle, legendary Huslia sprint musher George Attla, on the big screen in Anchorage. AMIPA and Doyon Foundation are co-presenting a fundraiser screening at Bear Tooth Theatre Pub on Sunday, November 16 at 4:00 PM. Folks often ask where they can watch this film, and this is one great way. I wouldn’t be surprised if it sells out.

AMIPA’s Kevin Tripp shared why this one matters right now: “Most importantly: it’s a great movie, shot in Alaska with Alaskans, that tells an amazing Alaska—and Alaska Native—story.” He also noted the film is showing from a new Digital Cinema Package (DCP), which is a fresh digital version that the director and cinematographer say hasn’t looked this good on a big screen since 1979.

A part of the proceeds benefit Alaska Moving Image Preservation Association (AMIPA)and the Doyon Foundation. AMIPA’s share supports an endowment at the Alaska Community Foundation in memory of Lael Morgan, so your ticket helps preserve Alaska’s moving-image history while you enjoy a classic. 

Tickets are $15 and on sale now: beartooththeatre.filmbot.com/movies/spirit-of-the-wind-1979-presented-by-amipa/.

If George Attla’s story has touched you, or if you’ve never seen the “Huslia Husler” brought to life, come out, bring friends and family, and help spread the word. Heritage Month is the perfect time to celebrate Alaska Native stories on Alaska’s big screen.