Since time immemorial, the people of Southeast Alaska have harvested herring eggs by placing hemlock branches in herring spawn. This vital, traditional food supply is endangered by commercial fishing pressure. This film serves as both a record of the 2019 spring harvest efforts and a portrayal of the tension the Indigenous people of Sitka, Alaska and beyond are feeling as their traditional food source faces an uncertain future.

On the tiny island of St. Paul, Alaska, marine debris is taking its toll on the ecosystem--especially the northern fur seal, a species of enormous cultural significance to the Unungan people who call this place home. Join the members of this resilient community as they confront this challenge with action and profound wisdom in order to protect the ocean wilderness that defines and feeds them, and which is quickly changing.

Join filmmakers, Madeleine Brennan and Gianna Savoie in conversation about three short films: Growing Up Kiwi, Keepers of the Shy Place, and Expedition Nautilist: Fiji. Gianna acted as Madeleine’s advisor on her film, a nominee in the best student film category--the two worked together in the Masters program at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

This conversation begins with filmmaker Colin Arisman and his choices in crafting Understory: A Journey through the Tongass. Colin talks about the sense of urgency he felt for highlighting this area and the particular concept of Ground Truthing that the film anchors itself within. We'll also hear more on local efforts to protect the Tongass National Forest from Chiara D'Angelo, Tongass Forest Program Manager at Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC). Supported by National Wildlife Federation and SEACC