A cinematic portrait of the Goodwins, an Inupiaq family living above the Arctic Circle in Kotzebue, Alaska. Through observing three generations of one family over the course of four years, Almost An Island explores what it means to be indigenous in the dramatically changing Arctic.

Programmer Notes:

Poignant and important look at a multi-generational family's way of life. It's an honor to come to know the characters and the land and sea of Alaska. 

About the Director:

Jonathan VanBallenberghe is a documentary filmmaker raised in Alaska, and now based in Arizona. His films have screened at festivals including SXSW, Tribeca, the American Conservation Film Festival, Durango, Roxbury, and the Arizona International Film Festival. He has received Gold Addy Awards for cinematography, and grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and the Tucson Pima Arts Council.

Almost an Island is Sponsored by The Campbell Foundation

The Environmental/Outdoor Feature Competition is Sponsored by New Sun Energy

Film Contact:

openlensproductions@gmail.com