On December 9th, 2025, See Stories proudly hosted our Virtual Youth Film Festival, celebrating the creativity and storytelling talents of students from across Alaska. This exciting event highlighted a diverse array of student-made films that reflected the rich cultures and unique perspectives of Alaskan youth. We were joined by special guest ‘Waats’asdiyei Joe Yates, who is a See Stories board member and award-winning Haida writer, director, film producer, and owner of Alaskan Films, LIC. from Craig, Alaska. 

Watch a recording of the Film Festival HERE

The festival culminated in the announcement of three outstanding films:

• 1st Place: “Walk with me” by Mazelle Joseph, (10th Grade) from Juneau, made with See Stories and Alaska Youth for Environmental Action at the Climate and Storytelling Youth Organizer Summit. The film was recognized for its creative and evocative visual storytelling techniques, powerful use of the Tlingit language and strong technical skills with original B-roll.
• 2nd Place: “Old Nulato and Subsistence” by Trevon (9th grade) from Nulato, created at at a See Stories climate-change-themed workshop in partnership with the Anchorage Museum and Alaska Pacific University. This film stood out for strong original footage, interviews, and historical images showing the wisdom elders have for the community.  
• 3rd Place: “Carving Totem Poles” by Quinn (8th grade) from Wrangell, under the guidance of teacher Laura Davies as part of their Stikine Stories program. The film was celebrated for excellent pacing, craftspersonship, a compelling story, and inspiring cultural revitalization. 

Other films showcased at our festival include:

• Yakutat Subsistence

• A Changing Denali

• Songahm Academic Program 

• Yakutat forests

• Childhood & Culture

• The Basket Bay Arch House

These films exemplify the power of storytelling in connecting communities and preserving cultural heritage. The students’ creativity and dedication were truly inspiring, and we’re proud to have provided a platform for their voices to be heard.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible: all the volunteers who served on our film review committee – Thank you! And of course, thank you to all the youth filmmakers – your stories inspire and enrich our understanding of Alaska’s unique and vibrant communities.

You can watch a recording of the Film Festival HERE. 

More films will be added to our website soon.