Premieres Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV
“Almost An Island” is a cinematic portrait of the Goodwins, an Inupiat family living above the Arctic Circle in Kotzebue, Alaska. Through observing three generations of one family over four years, the documentary explores what it means to be indigenous in the dramatically changing Arctic.
Elmer Goodwin, 78, grew up in a sod house wearing animal skins. Now, his dog sled has transformed into a snow machine. His children are half white, but Elmer wants to teach his family everything he knows about being Inupiat.
"Almost An Island" is an intimate portrayal of this multi-generational family, revealing their memories, dreams and goals, and challenging common stereotypes to show the Goodwins as complex, dignified individuals.
"Almost An Island" is on Facebook
Presented by Vision Maker Media and distributed by American Public Television. Director, Cinematographer, Co-editor: Jonathan VanBallenberghe. Producer: Sharon Wahl. Co-editor: Jacob Bricca, A.C.E. Executive Producer: Victoria Westover.
