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Alaska Film Archives

About the Collection

Over the past half century, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has built the largest collection of archival films in and about Alaska. The collection combines hundreds of donations of film and videos to UAF by individuals, organizations and institutions. Materials range from professional productions to amateur home-movies, made in and about Alaska from the earliest days of filmmaking through today. Since 1993 these materials have been held by the Alaska Film Archives, a unit of Alaska and Polar Regions Collections & Archives in the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library. Films and videos selected for this portal project are a sampling of the thousands available for checkout on DVD through the Rasmuson Library. Unless otherwise noted, items are presented here in their entirety, unedited and uncut. Short, popular clips from the collection can be viewed on our YouTube channel. Read more about the Alaska Film Archives.

1 to 30 of 81 Objects
Alaska Review 63
Alaska Review 63
Alaska Review examines the growth and future of Alaska's largest city, Anchorage. The history of the development of the city is discussed, as are present-day problems such as poor transportation corridors and an outdated land-use system. Those interviewed include: Mike Carberry, senior planner for the Municipality of Anchorage; Bob Atwood, publisher of the Anchorage Daily Times; George Sullivan, former mayor of the Municipality of Anchorage; Walt Parker, former member of the Anchorage Assembly; Bill Laria? municipal planning director; Greg Jones, Anchorage planning commissioner; Barry Quinn?, director of capital projects for the Municipality of Anchorage; Tony Knowles, Anchorage mayor; and Scott Hawkins, economist. The program contains many views of historical photos, film clips and maps, and present-day scenes of Anchorage.
Alaska Review 62
Alaska Review 62
Alaska Review examines problems associated with the growth of Alaska's prison population. Topics of discussion include prison overcrowding, the Cleary v. Smith case, treatment programs for sex-offenders, rehabilitation programs for prisoners, presumptive sentencing, and the possible need for more prisons to be constructed. Those interviewed include: Roger Endell, commissioner of the Department of Corrections; State Representative Don Clocksin of Anchorage; Dr. Allan Barnes of the School of Justice at the University of Alaska in Anchorage; Avrum Gross, former State Attorney General; Nick Maroules, research director for the Alaska Judicial Council; Judge Victor Carlson of the Alaska Superior Court in Anchorage; Timothy Sterns (?), attorney who argued on behalf of inmates in the Cleary v. Smith case; Larry Robbins (?), compliance officer at Cook Inlet Corrections Facility in Anchorage; Susan Humphrey Barnett, director of Statewide Programs; State Senator Pat Rodey of Anchorage; State Representative Fritz Pettyjohn of Anchorage; and the Reverend Alonzo Patterson, chairman of the Alaska Parole Board. The program contains views of Alaskan prison facilities, the Lemon Creek Correctional Center, a graph depicting the growth of the statewide inmate population, court proceedings, the Third Avenue Jail in Anchorage, and the Hiland Mountain Correctional Center in Eagle River.
Alaska Review 58
Alaska Review 58
Alaska Review examines the rapid growth of Alaska's pollock and bottom-fishing industry and what it means for the state's economy. The report covers topics such as the Magnuson Act, the 200-Mile Limit, joint venture operations, foreign fishing fleets, harvest limits, and new food products such as surimi. Those interviewed include: Thorn (or Thorne?) Tasker of Alaskan Joint Venture Fisheries, Inc.; Al Burch of the Alaska Draggers Association; Chris Riley of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation; Jim Branson of the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council; Greg Baker (?), director of the Office of Commercial Fisheries Development for the State of Alaska; Bob Keating, Joint Venture representative; Colonel Yong Sam Kim of the Samho Moolsan Company of South Korea; Chris Mitchell (?), executive director of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation; Jerry Babbitt, food scientist with the National Marine Fisheries Service; and Gilbert Francklyn, Dutch Harbor crab fisherman. The program contains views of the Alaska coastline, fishing vessels, the visit of an Alaskan commission to Norway, fish processing facilities, grocery store fish displays, fish preparation at a restaurant, underwater scenes of fish being caught in a bottom trawling net, nets being hauled back aboard boats, graph showing bottom fish harvest levels, scenes from the 1984 North Pacific Fisheries Management Council meeting, a Japanese restaurant, an Alaska Pacific Seafoods processing facility in Kodiak, a food science lab, crab pots and crab boats, and a graph showing a rapid decline in Bering Sea king crab harvest levels.
Alaska Review 59
Alaska Review 59
Alaska Review and Focus North examine the Alaska Native Review Commission, headed by Thomas Berger of Canada, which performed an independent review of the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on behalf of Native groups in Alaska. The program also touches upon Canada's Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry of the mid 1970s, which investigated the possible impacts of a proposed gas pipeline through Canada's Yukon and Northwest Territories. Those interviewed include: Justice Thomas Berger; Frank T'Seleie, former chief of Good Hope, Northwest Territories; Bob Blair, president of Foothills Pipeline, Ltd.; Alaska Governor Bill Sheffield; David Case, author; Willie Hensley, Alaska Native leader; Mary Malchoff of Port Graham; Elenore McMullen of Port Graham; Lydia Robart of Port Graham; and others. The program contains views of villages in Canada and Alaska, community hearings in Canada and Alaska, an Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) meeting, Anchorage streets, subsistence and trapping activities, and Native dancing and cultural activities.
Alaska Review 60
Alaska Review 60
Alaska Review examines efforts by American fishermen and processors to control and market Alaska's bottom fish. Those interviewed include Jim Branson, executive director of the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council; Thorne Tasker of Alaskan Joint Venture Fisheries; David Harville with the Kodiak and Western Trawler Group; Rick Lauber of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association; Chris Mitchell of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation; Taekuk Chung of Transocean Enterprises of South Korea; and U.S. Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska. The program contains views of commercial fishing activities, foreign and domestic fishing boats and fleets, U.S. Coast Guard vessels, a graph depicting fish harvest levels, and fish processing facilities.
Alaska Review 61
Alaska Review 61
Alaska Review examines problems associated with intensive use of the Kenai River in Alaska and the conflict between commercial and sport fishermen. Topics discussed include loss of salmon habitat, erosion along the river bank, and disturbances caused by boat wakes. Those interviewed include: Paul Ruesch, fisheries biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; Bob Penny, chairman of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association; Bix Bonney, member of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association; Jim Evenson, commercial fisherman; Melvin Johnson, commercial fisherman; Stan Thompson, Kenai Peninsula Borough mayor; Harry Gaines, fishing guide; Christopher Estes of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; Bill Long, hydrologist with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources; Neil Johannsen, director of Parks for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources; Jeff Jefferson, president of the Kenai River Advisory Board; Sharon Jean (?) of the Kenai River Advisory Board; and Alaska Governor Bill Sheffield. The program includes views of fishermen in small boats and standing on the banks of the Kenai River, people posing with salmon, recreational vehicles along a river, combat fishing, fish traps in use during Alaska's territorial days, fish netting, an annual meeting of the Board of Fisheries, sonar fish counter, biologists tagging salmon, fish processing facilities, protestors, Cook Inlet, and cabins along the river.
Alaska Review 56
Alaska Review 56
Alaska Review examines sport fishing and commercial fishing on the Kenai River and reports on the conflicts between different user groups. Those interviewed include: unidentified fishermen; Bob Penney, president of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association; Paul Ruesch, fisheries biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; Harry Gaines, sportfishing guide; Bix Bonney of the Alaska Board of Fish; Jim Evenson, president of the United Cook Inlet Drift Association; Jeff Parker of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association; Doug Blossom, commercial set net fisherman; Lottie Edelman, Kenai fish processor; Dwayne ?, commercial fisherman; Melvin Johnson, commercial set net fisherman; unidentified commercial fisherman; Alaska Governor Bill Sheffield; Tom Wagner, mayor of Kenai; unidentified Kenai resident; Stan Thompson, Kenai Peninsula Borough mayor; Andy Johnson, president of the Salamatof Native Association; Frank Mullen, Soldotna pioneer; and Neil Johannsen, director of Alaska State Parks. The program contains views of the Kenai River, sport fishing activities, commercial fishing operations, fisheries biologists, a meeting of the Alaska Board of Fisheries, protests by commercial fishermen against sport fishermen, Alaska Governor Bill Sheffield posing with salmon and greeting protestors, and development along the Kenai River. A song titled "Ballad of the Kenai River" by Hobo Jim is featured.
Alaska Review 54
Alaska Review 54
Alaska Review explores the formation of Alaska's North Slope Borough and the changes brought about by the borough's new and sudden wealth due to Prudhoe Bay oil revenues. The history of the Inupiat and changes brought about to their culture through interaction with Western Society is discussed. Controversies and conflict surrounding the initial formation of the North Slope Borough, the high costs of construction in the arctic, quality of life issues, and allocation of oil revenues are all discussed. Those interviewed include: Eugene Brower, mayor of the North Slope Borough; Jon Buchholdt, North Slope Borough communications consultant and former aide to borough mayor Eben Hopson; State Senator Vic Fisher; Professor John Havelock; Bob Dupere, North Slope Borough financial consultant; Nate Olemaun, mayor of Barrow; unidentified interviewees (names not visible due to poor video quality); Irving Igtanloc, director of capital improvements for the North Slope Borough; Jacob Kagak, mayor of Wainwright; Ethel Patkotak of Wainwright; Maggi Gray of Barrow; and State Senator Rick Halford of Chugiak. The program contains views of North Slope Borough development and construction, Barrow residents and homes, Eben Hopson High School, and the Barrow utilidor system.
Alaska Review 57
Alaska Review 57
Alaska Review examines development of the agricultural industry in the Matanuska Valley and Delta areas of Alaska, and it reports on financial problems faced by Alaska's farmers. Topics discussed include the 1979 Delta barley project, the Seward grain terminal, the Point Mackenzie dairy industry, Matanuska Maid bankruptcy concerns, and competition from products imported into Alaska. Those interviewed include unidentified farmers; Walter Parker, former commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation; Alaska Governor Jay Hammond; Bob Palmer, former state senator and Kenai Peninsula farmer; Alaska State Senator Vic Fisher; Jerry Bremer?, Delta farmer; Charlie Trowbridge?, Delta farmer; Barney Hollembaek, Delta farmer; Bill Heim, director of Alaska's Division of Agriculture; David Smith, assistant manager of Matanuska Maid; Karen Lee of Dairy West at Point Mackenzie; and Pete Probasco, manager of the Alaska Revolving Loan Fund. The program contains views of Matanuska Valley farms, historical photos and films of early farming in Alaska, grocery stores, shipping containers and imported products at sea ports, Delta area farming operations, livestock, dairy cattle, Matanuska Maid milk processing facilities, an ARLF (Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund) board meeting, and egg processing facilities.
Alaska Review 55
Alaska Review 55
Alaska Review examines public health policies in the state of Alaska and their impact and effectiveness in rural areas. Topics include the immunization program, hepatitis B, rural sanitation, and search and rescue operations. Those interviewed include: Dr. John Middaugh, state epidemiologist; Dr. E. S. Rabeau, director of the Division of Public Health; Nancy Davis, regional nursing manager; Dr. Brian McMahan of the Indian Health Service; Bob Kopolka, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region sanitarian; Ray Hough of the Public Health Service; Paul Kiunya of Kipnuk; David Enock, village president of Tuntutuliak; Elise Serian Patkotak, North Slope Borough health director; Gail Jacoby, Telehealth trainer; Carolyn Simmonds, health aide in Nuiqsut; and Don Gamble, search and rescue pilot and administrator. The program contains views of the Health Clinic in Nightmute, patients and healthcare providers, a medical evacuation flight arriving in Barrow, Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Hepatitis B testing in Tuntutuliak, people receiving vaccination shots, the washeteria in Tuntutuliak, honey bucket disposal sites, a man receiving a dental exam, a demonstration of the Telehealth video system, a search and rescue helicopter, and a search and rescue training mission.
North Slope: Brower interview #4; Barrow [Utqiagvik] students
North Slope: Brower interview #4; Barrow [Utqiagvik] students
This footage features an interview with Eugene Brower, mayor of the North Slope Borough. Scenes from the Barrow school include a girl reading, a mural, young students, a woman teaching the children, a woman teaching a high school math class, students with calculators, high school students sitting in class, high school students at their lockers, a busy school hallway, the school cafeteria during lunch, and the faces of students in line to get food.
North Slope: Eskimo dancing in Barrow [Utqiagvik] high school
North Slope: Eskimo dancing in Barrow [Utqiagvik] high school
This footage features Inupiat dancing in the Eben Hobson High School gymnasium. Scenes include Alaska Natives drumming, a conductor, the audience, a line of young girls dancing, young boys dancing, a woman with a child on her lap, faces in the audience, Inupiat audience members, and singers.
North Slope: Brower interview #1
North Slope: Brower interview #1
This footage features an interview with Eugene Brower, mayor of the North Slope Borough, on the history and leaders of the NSB, Americanization of the Arctic, community development needs, self-determination, relations with the federal government, and other topics.
North Slope: Sen. Vic Fischer interview
North Slope: Sen. Vic Fischer interview
This footage contains a continuation of the Fischer interview on the NSB. The original videotape is labeled, "Sen. Vic Fischer 2, North Slope Borough 37."
North Slope: Brower interview #3
North Slope: Brower interview #3
This footage features an interview with Eugene Brower, mayor of the North Slope Borough.
North Slope: Brower interview #4 [# 2]
North Slope: Brower interview #4 [# 2]
This footage features an interview with Eugene Brower, mayor of the North Slope Borough.
Alaska Review 50
Alaska Review 50
Alaska Review explores the lives of those continuing to pursue a subsistence lifestyle in Alaska despite outside pressures from a quickly changing world and the availability of new tools and methods for hunting and gathering natural resources. The program contains images and interviews that appeared in several earlier Alaska Review programs. Those interviewed include: Arnold Brower, whaling captain; John Evak, subsistence hunter; Juanita Melsheimer of English Bay; Bobby Kuasnikoff of English Bay; Walter Charlie of the Lake Louise area; L. Jolson? of Kachemak City; Judy Theringer and Daniel Breslaw, subsistence fishermen; and Everett and Diane Drashner, homesteaders. The program contains views of Point Hope singers and dancers, a Point Hope whaling celebration, people pulling in fish nets at Bishop Mountain near Galena, scenes at a fish camp, harvesting of fish at English Bay, an Alaskan garden, and a self-sufficient homestead south of Fairbanks.
Alaska Review 52
Alaska Review 52
In the first segment, reporter Eric Eckholm reviews the history of reindeer herding in Alaska and reports on the harvesting of reindeer antlers for sale to foreign markets. Portions of this report are repeated from a segment titled "Reindeer" that appeared in an earlier Alaska Review program (AAF-4961). Updates are given after the original report. Those interviewed include: Mr. Chueng of San Francisco's Chinatown, herbal merchant selling deer antlers for medicinal purposes; Alfred Carmen of Deering, reindeer herder; Dr. Jack Luick of Fairbanks, reindeer scientist; Jim Isabelle, helicopter pilot; Jung Wang, antler buyer; and John Schaeffer, president of NANA Regional Corporation. The report contains views of a helicopter-aided reindeer roundup in Deering, reindeer antler removal, Chinatown in San Francisco, the Teller reindeer round-up, graphics detailing the warble-fly life cycle, and reindeer in winter being inoculated. In the second segment, reporter Eric Eckholm explores the history of sled dog racing and talks to dog mushers about their philosophies on raising sled dogs. Portions of this report are repeated from a segment titled "See How They Run" that appeared in an earlier Alaska Review program (AAF-4957). Updates are given after the original report. Dog mushers Gareth Wright and Roxy Woods are interviewed. Report contains views of sled dog races, dog yards, and the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Anchorage.
Alaska Review 53
Alaska Review 53
Alaska Review reports on the climbing of Mt. McKinley and regulation changes within Denali National Park and Preserve. Portions of this report are repeated from a segment titled "Denali" that appeared in an earlier Alaska Review program (AAF-4953). Those interviewed in this updated segment include: Jim Hale, mountain guide; Ray Genet, mountain guide; Bob Gerhard, mountaineering ranger for Mt. McKinley National Park; Bradford and Barbara Washburn, explorers and map-makers; Mike Fisher, pilot for Talkeetna Air Service; Nick Hartzell, park ranger; Frances Randall, mountain climber and full time summer resident of glacier landing strip; Glenn Fortner, leader of mountain climbing expedition; Dan Kuehn, Mt. McKinley National Park superintendent; Robert C. Cunningham, Denali National Park and Preserve superintendent; and Gary Bocarde, director of Mountain Trip Guiding Service. The program contains views of park buses, trains, and tourists at Denali National Park, climbing expedition preparations, glaciers, park rangers and maps, and the University of Alaska Center for High Latitude Research Camp.
Alaska Review 51
Alaska Review 51
In the first segment, Eric Eckholm reports on Humpback Whales in Alaska waters and efforts to study and protect the giant mammals. Those interviewed include whale scientist Sharon Guinn and high school biology teacher Charles Juracz of Juneau. Portions of this report are repeated from a segment titled "Whalewatch" that appeared in an earlier Alaska Review program (AAF-4972). A summary of recent findings follows the original report. (Video quality is poor). The second segment, "Fred Machetanz: An Alaskan Master," is a repeat broadcast from another Alaska Review program (AAF-4959). The third segment, "The Great Alaskan Iceworm Safari," is a repeat broadcast from another Alaska Review program (AAF-4986).
St. Paul: Father Michael Lestenkof and Gabe Stepetin interview
St. Paul: Father Michael Lestenkof and Gabe Stepetin interview
This footage features interviews with Gabe Stepetin, resident of St. Paul Island, and Father Michael Lestenkof, a priest on St. Paul Island.
St. Paul: Reeve plane
St. Paul: Reeve plane
This footage includes part of an interview with Gabe Stepetin of St. Paul, a Reeve airplane landing and taxing, and airplane passengers. Scenes also features a boat being loaded onto a truck and a plane taking off.
St. Paul: Gabe Stepetin interview
St. Paul: Gabe Stepetin interview
This footage features an interview with Gabe Stepetin of St. Paul.
St. Paul: Larry Merculieff interview #2
St. Paul: Larry Merculieff interview #2
This footage contains a continuation of the interview with Larry Merculief, president of Tanadgusix Corporation.
St. Paul: Larry Merculieff interview #1
St. Paul: Larry Merculieff interview #1
This footage features an interview with Larry Merculief, president of the Tanadgusix Corporation.
St. Paul: Ted Stevens interview
St. Paul: Ted Stevens interview
This footage features an interview with U.S. Senator Ted Stevens. Scenes also feature a painting.
Alaska Review 47
Alaska Review 47
Alaska Review explores Alaska's waste disposal problems, including concerns about the disposal of hazardous materials at a special waste site near Sterling, the growing population of the Municipality of Anchorage and the rapid filling of the landfill at Merrill Field, and the existence of hazardous wastes left behind by military outposts in Alaska. Members of groups concerned about environmental hazards and the disposal of waste products are interviewed. Those interviewed include: Walt and Elsa Pedersen of Sterling, Alaska; Stan Thompson, mayor of the Kenai Peninsula Borough; Bob Martin, regional manager of the Department of Environmental Conservation in Anchorage; Dave Brown, part owner of Alaska Environmental Industries; Joel Grunwaldt, director of Solid Waste Services for the Municipality of Anchorage; unidentified people-on-the-street interviewees; David Wigglesworth of the Center for the Environment in Anchorage; Steve Kadish, executive director of the Alaska Health Project; Dick Hudson?, manager of Anchorage water treatment facility; and Captain Peter Robles, Jr., of the U.S. Air Force at Elmendorf Air Force Base. The program contains views of the special waste site near Sterling, Alaska, the Union Chemicals Division Kenai Plant facility, Anchorage streets, municipal landfills, public service announcements about recycling and waste disposal, Anchorage water treatment facilities, technicians at work in a water safety testing lab, historic military footage, and military cleanup efforts and facilities.
Alaska Review 48
Alaska Review 48
Mark O. Badger and Edward Coll report on the sealing industry on St. Paul Island in the Pribilofs and on recent efforts by the federal government to phase out funding of the seal harvest. Life on the island under Russian and United States rule is examined, and island residents talk about having lived as wards of the federal government and about having been relocated to internment camps in Southeast Alaska during World War II. Managers explain the seal harvest process, and activists talk about their opposition to the harvest. The possible future of the people of St. Paul Island is touched upon. Those interviewed include: Larry Merculief, president of Tanadgusix Corporation; Gabe Stepetin, resident of St. Paul Island; Father Michael Lestenkof, priest on St. Paul Island; Joe Scordino of the National Marine Fisheries Service; Mike Zacharof, supervisor of the By-Products Plant on St. Paul Island; Leslie Dierhauf, veterinarian and voluntary observer of the seal harvest; Captain Paul Watson of Greenpeace; Pamela Wilson, director of the Seal Rescue Fund; and Dr. Charles Fowler of the National Marine Fisheries Service. The program contains views of a St. Paul celebration at the end of sealing season, historical photos and drawings of Aleut peoples, interior and exterior views of the Russian Orthodox Church on St. Paul Island, seal harvest activities and the treatment and packing of seal skins, and scenes from the Wartime Relocation Commission Hearings in Anchorage. The program also contains Public Service Announcements (PSAs) about litter and recycling in Alaska and recycling in general.
Alaska Review 45
Alaska Review 45
Alaska Review examines opposing views about Alaska's Subsistence Priority law. Those interviewed include: Walter Charlie of the Copper River/Lake Louise area; Josephine Charles and family of Sheldon Point; Dr. John Kruse of the Institute of Social and Economic Research; Sam McDowell of Alaskans for Equal Hunting and Fishing Rights; Bonnie McCord of the Tyonek Village Council; Don Mitchell of Alaskans For Sensible Fish and Game Management; Chris Goll of the Alaska Board of Fisheries; Jimmy Huntington of the Alaska Board of Fisheries; Dennis Kelso of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; Tom Schroeder of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; Juanita Melsheimer of English Bay; Bobby Kuasnikoff of English Bay; Marty Freidman of Homer, an attorney representing the Kachemak Bay subsistence group; Louis Gjosund, subsistence fisherman; Judy Theringer and Daniel Breslaw, subsistence fishermen; and others. The program contains views of subsistence hunting and fishing activities at the Bishop Mountain Fish Camp on the Yukon River, the Point Hope whale festival, Barrow, Tyonek, English Bay, and other areas of Alaska. The program also contains Public Service Announcements (PSAs) about alcohol abuse in Alaska and the Independent Quality of Living Center.
Alaska Review 46
Alaska Review 46
Alaska Review examines the innovations of Alaskans who have implemented ways to harness the energy of natural elements such as wind, water, sun, and geothermal resources to provide power in Alaskan communities. Conservation and construction techniques used by individual homeowners as well as municipalities are explored. Those interviewed include: Steve Behnke of Dillingham; Dave Balker (?), manager of Nushugak Electric in Dillingham, Don Markel, projects coordinator of the Division of Energy and Power; Bob Foote of Unalakleet; CJ Phillips (?), president of a corporation interested in developing Pilgrim Springs; Everett Drashner, Cantwell area homesteader; Diane Drashner, Cantwell area homesteader; Joe Marks, owner of a company that developed a wood gasification system; and Bud Root of the Anchorage area. The program contains views of a passively-heated super-insulated home in Dillingham, a waste-heat recovery system used to heat the Dillingham elementary school, wind-powered generators in Unalakleet, hot springs at Pilgrim Springs on the Seward Peninsula, a self-sufficient homestead in Cantwell, a wood gasification system used to create engine fuel from wood, a hydroelectric system, greenhouses, solar panels, and wind turbines.