It’s been an incredible journey producing and directing the film Bodies of Water at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Each day the film has become richer and deeper, and the enthusiasm of the students has only grown through the weeks. Making art. What a gift.
Category: Shorts
Music Video for OCnotes
Sometimes, you just need to do something different. Had a blast making this impromptu video with the talented Silver Jackson and OCnotes in Juneau, Alaska. My boy even got his first cameo!
Shot by Maya Salganek, Zak D. Wass, TJ Cramer, Nicholas Galanin, & OCnotes
Directed by Silver Jackson & OCnotes
DO YOU FEAR ANYTHING?
Mister asks Leona if she fears anything…. must try a take of laughing… She is so terrified, so tormented, that the question itself is ludicrous. The “laughs in the face of fear” approach eases everyone into her space. She takes the upper hand.
It laughs at fear and is unafraid. It does not run from the sword.
Job 39:22
Leona – transformations
Leona is three different characters within Bodies of Water.
Leona is a child – confrontational, rebellious, but still a child.
After the death of Willow – Leon cuts her ties with her family -she is tired of being judged. She chooses to enter the world (reborn) on her own terms, but quickly gets drawn into another family – the troupe.
Finally- Leona births herself. The Water Cell as Womb into this persona – still stuck. Still reliving the tragedy, but finding freedom and even grace within it. As close to the edge of life as she can be. The edges of life – before birth-into death. In the water.
JUMPING IN…
WILLOW
I’m Jumping In. ONE. (beat) TWO. (beat) THREE.
LEONA
I can’t believe–
Bodies of Water
Casting Begins on Bodies of Water by Adrina Knutson.
Adrina was so radiant. Deep. Full. Like water with the sun shining off it. It is hard to understand how the dark, mysterious, troubling tale came from the Adrina I knew. Premonition?
I approach this film open, transparent, like water. Ready to take the form that best suits it.
Here’s to you, Adrina. Fill the glass.
Junko’s Birch Totem
Directed by Graduate student, Jill S. Shipman, this film explores the relationship between international artist, Junko Yanagida, and Alaska Native artistic practices.
Junko was a MFA recipient in Native Art from the Native Art Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2016.
Produced as a student project in FLM 271, Fall 2015.
Maya Salganek 