The documentary ‘Sacred Alaska,’ which explores the history of the Russian Orthodox faith in Alaska, has made its long-awaited debut in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta two years post-premiere. The screening took place at Bethel’s Yupiit Picaryarait Cultural Center and prominently featured the Yup’ik communities of Kwethluk and Bethel.
Director Simon Scionka remarked on how the film unexpectedly evolved to focus more on scenes from the Y-K Delta, stating that the richness of the region’s connection to Orthodoxy significantly influenced its direction. He noted, ‘That was the surprise for us. We knew there were seeds of that,’ referring to insights from Father Michael Oleksa who urged them to explore the Kuskokwim for a true depiction of ‘Orthodox Alaska.’
Since its initial release, ‘Sacred Alaska’ has been showcased at film festivals in Australia, Norway, Romania, and across various locations in the United States, but the recent screening marked the first time the film was presented in the very region where it was filmed.
The documentary features interviews from Russian Orthodox parishes statewide, including Anchorage and Kodiak, with a strong emphasis on Kwethluk. It captures village life through vibrant scenes, such as the annual blessing of the Kuskokwim River water at Theophany, and includes poignant interviews with families recalling the life of Yup’ik saint Matushka Olga.
Scionka, along with producer Silas Carbo, undertook several filming trips to the region in 2021. As members of the Russian Orthodox faith, they participated in community services and divine liturgies, leading to deeply impactful experiences. ‘We walked away from it, we walked away from our experiences up there with the people we encountered and became friends with,’ Scionka reflected.
After two years of dedicated editing, ‘Sacred Alaska’ was released in 2023. Scionka envisioned the film as a means to introduce Orthodox Christians in the lower 48 states to a lesser-known segment of their faith. ‘My initial vision was that it would be for Orthodox Christians in the lower 48, that it would kind of introduce them and expose them to this kind of lesser-known world of Orthodoxy that really is a part of who we all are,’ he stated.
The film’s international travel has indeed expanded its influence, starting with its debut at an Orthodox film festival in Australia. Scionka shared a notable memory from a screening in Romania, where audiences reacted positively to seeing Orthodoxy presented in a unique, Alaskan context, differing from traditional views rooted in Eastern Europe.
In Bethel, the film’s local screening was met with a warm and enthusiastic reception. An event hosted by the Kuskokwim Consortium Library attracted dozens of attendees to the cultural center, complete with free popcorn for all.
Prior to the showing, members of Bethel’s St. Sophia Russian Orthodox Church performed a blessing and sang songs, creating a communal atmosphere for viewing the documentary that featured their lives and stories.
As the credits rolled, patrons braved the chilly March air, emerging into the familiar landscape of tundra and the still-frozen Kuskokwim River, signifying a returns to their roots — the heart of their home. Through its international journey, ‘Sacred Alaska’ manages to truly bring the essence of the Y-K Delta to audiences across the globe while reverberating deeply with those who call this region home.
image source from：https://www.kyuk.org/arts-culture-community-features/2025-04-25/after-international-stint-sacred-alaska-documentary-premieres-where-it-was-filmed
