This short film made by Bitanga Productions showcases an original music video created by students in Adam Mackie’s sixth-period senior class at West Anchorage High School in the spring of 2025. Centered on the theme of culture and identity, this project guided students through analyzing poetry and songs, interviewing one another about their cultural backgrounds, and collaborating with musician Kat Moore and filmmaker Alex Troutman of Channel Films to write and record “Rise Above the Storm.” This film captures their voices at the end of their senior year as a powerful reflection of who they are, where they come from, and the beauty they can create together.

Credits

• Classroom teacher: Adam Mackie
• Teaching artist / musician: Kat Moore
• Filmmaker: Alex Troutman, Channel Films
• Students: West Anchorage High School seniors

Behind the Scenes of “Rise Above the Storm” was filmed and created by Rafael Bitanga of Bitanga Productions.

With generous funding from the Alaska State Council on the Arts Youth Cultural Heritage Grant.