03/29/2021
Can’t wait to see his film.
Some people might not know this, but I spent a good chunk of my childhood living in Alaska. My dad worked in the gold mines in Kenai. Our babysitter Rose was Native Alaskan and her three sons were my best friends. My family eventually loaded up our car and took the AlCan south, to Lake Stevens, Washington where I finished school. When finding out I’d come from Alaska people asked me if I used to live in an igloo and have sled dogs. To which I would answer, “Yes. Yes I did.” Like Johnny Cash said, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Speaking of great stories!!! (Killer segway Chris) I’m proud to have Executive Produced this amazing documentary Alaskan Nets which is premiering at the Santa Barbara FilmFestival! Like the basketball players in our doc I know what it’s like to live in a small town defined by high school sports and supported by local blue collar industry. I didn’t play basketball. I was a wrestler and football player. Lake Stevens has a string of state championships and I know first hand the pressures that come with carrying that legacy into a season. This wonderful doc examines how small town expectations can like the weight of the whole world on a young man’s shoulders. I know the power a team has to unite a community, to lift a kid up, allow him or her to be part of something bigger than themselves, to build character. I’m so proud of our documentary Alaskan Nets. It is a story of hope. One which shines a light on an extraordinary group of kids, and illuminates a corner of the world that otherwise might not be seen. I’m excited to present Metlakatla to the rest of the world. If we look around we realize we’re going through a dark period and I believe people need stories like these--stories that don’t shy away from the hardships we all face every day, that ultimately uplift and inspire us to persevere, and never lose hope.