Sunday, November 28, 2010

PA Arts Sunday - Erin and Hig's Alaska at the AIFF Next Weekend

Erin McKittrick and Bretwood Higman, the young couple who walked, skied and pac-rafted from Seattle to Unalaska without any motorized support in 2007 and 2008, took hours of video on their epic trek. When they finished, I asked Hig if they were considering a movie.

He laughed. "We don't know how to make one," he replied.

I answered Hig with "Your stuff is amazing. Find someone to help."

They did. The product will premiere next weekend at the Anchorage International Film Festival at two Out North showings. A day later it will premiere in Homer. Erin and Hig live in a magnificent little yurt in Seldovia.

If you're new to Progressive Alaska and you don't yet know about these two amazing young people and what they're doing, you're missing one of the most important continuing Alaska stories.

Their trek from Puget Sound to the Aleutians was inspired by a desire to draw attention to the Pebble Mine project. On their way to Unimak Pass, they walked through the proposed site of Pebble. They walked 1,600 miles to get there. Half of it in the winter. Nobody we know of had ever done that. Very, very few had even come close. They photographed, journaled and blogged about it as they went. When they got to communities of all sorts, they visited schools to share their experience with the kids. They made presentations in several villages, towns and cities.

They are continuing their treks. Their book about the long coastal journey, A Long Trek Home, came out early this year. Hopefully, the movie will bring more attention to their continuing activities.

Erin and Hig hope to be at both film showings in Anchorage. Here's the movie trailer:


Erin and Hig's Alaska is profoundly different from that of Todd and Sarah's.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

These are amazing people. Their blog is inspiring in a truly Alaskan way. Sarah Palin is a mall walker. Every clerk in Nordstroms knows her and her type.

Anonymous said...

How truly adventurous spirits these are! The clips are beautiful and yes, they would make a great movie. I would go see! Thank you for bringing to light.

Anonymous said...

You are so right! Their Alaska is the REAL Alaska.

We were thrilled to have them stop by on their trek, and continue to watch their work with much joy!

Hope everyone can get out and see the movie.

If not get the book, it is a good read!!
UgaVic

Philip Munger said...

UgaVic,

"get the book, it is a good read!!"

--- got that right.

Anonymous said...

I loved the book and I look forward to seeing their new film. Awesome, awesome couple!

rashid1891 said...

If you're new to Progressive Alaska and you don't yet know about these two amazing young people and what they're doing, you're missing one of the most important continuing Alaska stories.