Sitka Wonders: The Story Behind the Film and Brand

For me, Sitka, Alaska, is more than a place. It's a feeling—one of awe, connection, and wonder. The first time I visited in 2008, I was struck by its unique combination of breathtaking landscapes—ancient forests, rugged mountains, and the open ocean all within arm's reach. I remember standing on the shore, watching humpback whales breach in Sitka Sound, while bald eagles soared overhead. I truly felt like I had entered one of Earth’s last wild sanctuaries.

Over time, Sitka transformed from a destination into a second home. Its wildlife, culture, and community inspired me not only as a filmmaker but also as a person. That connection, combined with a desire to share Sitka's wonders with the world, led to the creation of Sitka’s Hidden Wonders, a wildlife film, and the Sitka Wonders travel brand. Both serve one purpose—to celebrate Sitka’s natural beauty while fostering a deeper connection between visitors and this magical place.

Come with me as I share the story of how this idea was born and brought to life.

Finding Inspiration in Sitka

Looking back, my relationship with Sitka began with a summer gig. During film school, I had the chance to work with the Sitka Conservation Society, a local nonprofit focused on preserving the stunning wilderness of southeast Alaska. My summers were spent exploring and photographing some of the most remote areas of the Tongass National Forest.  I had the incredible opportunity to kayak the outer coast of West Chichagof, hike up the steep mountains in South Baranof, watch wolves in Tebenkof and brown bears on Admiralty and so much more.  Spending so much time in remote places like this was the best way to learn an ecosystem, and I don't think I fully appreciated it then.  All the while, I was honing my skills as a visual storyteller and learning about this incredible ecosystem.

Those formative experiences didn’t just set the foundation for a career in wildlife filmmaking; they seeded a mission to use storytelling as a tool for conservation.

From Sitka to the World

After graduating film school, my career took flight, quite literally. I moved to Washington DC, where I worked with National Geographic, Discovery, Smithsonian, and PBS, eventually filming across 36 countries. From the rainforests of Panama to New Zealand and South Africa, each project added another layer of experience.

Yet, no matter where I traveled, Sitka was never far from my mind. Each summer I found a way to get back to Alaska for jobs small and large.  So many incredible locals helped me with housing, hired me for short commercials or just spent time to teach me more about this place.  I'm proud to have worked with organizations like Visit Sitka and Sitka Sound Science Center to share the wonder of this place and their work.  I teamed up with the Sitka Conservation Society and Tongass National Forest to produce two films, The Meaning of Wild, and the Salmon Forest, that played on cruise ships and in visitor centers across the region.  And over time I built up a reputation in the TV space as a shooter who could deliver in this remote part of the world, leading to work with the BBC, Travel Channel, and more.  

Unlike so many trips, where we flew in and out in a rushed blur to get our shots, Sitka was never just "another location” to me—it always felt like the heart of my work.

The Spark for Sitka Wonders

Spending years in Sitka has allowed me to witness things most visitors never get to see and I started to make a list of all the experiences and layers that I felt changed the way I saw this place.

Flash forward to 2022.  I visited Sitka with my family and saw the massive boom in tourism with the new cruise ship dock. Witnessing the throng of visitors eager to experience Sitka, I saw an opportunity—a chance to build a business but more importantly to provide visitors with a deeper connection to the place rather than just passing through.

That idea grew into the Sitka Wonders brand and film. The goal? To create a platform that celebrates everything that makes Sitka unique while promoting sustainable tourism practices. The heart of it all is Sitka’s Hidden Wonders, a film experience set to premiere in May 2025 exclusively in Sitka.

Behind the Scenes of “Sitka’s Hidden Wonders”

Bringing this project to life has been a monumental effort. It started with over 100 terabytes of archival footage, spanning a decade of filming. But that was just the beginning. We added another 100 days in the field and concluded with over 200 hours of new wildlife footage. Our goal was to share some of the biggest charismatic wildlife that Sitka has to offer, but then reveal the hidden connections to wildlife and wonders that few people ever see.  The film took us on an incredible journey, unfolding naturally in ways that are rare for projects often constrained by tight schedules.

We dedicated weeks to filming Sitka Brown Bears, with only one mishap—a damaged dinghy. After years of effort, we finally secured a permit to film on St. Lazaria Island Wildlife Refuge. This allowed us to spend several weeks with the research team, documenting its extraordinary bird life and some remarkable nocturnal activities—details we’re saving for the final cut!  

We also captured the awe-inspiring humpback whale migration and partnered with the Sitka Sound Science Center to dive beneath the surface and explore why so many whales gather here. This exploration led us further into the ecosystem, inspiring us to capture the microscopic life that forms the foundation of it all.

The result is a 30-minute film that takes audiences on an immersive exploration of Sitka’s ecosystem, capturing both the grand and the minute.  

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2025 Premiere of Sitka’s Hidden Wonders

In 2025, Sitka’s Hidden Wonders will premiere at the historic Coliseum Theatre, located right in the heart of downtown Sitka. This iconic venue, with its vintage charm and central location, is the perfect setting to bring the magic of Sitka to life for visitors and locals alike. To make the experience even more accessible, we’ll have a dedicated booth right outside the theater, where guests can purchase tickets, ask questions, and learn more about the film and our other offerings.

Showtimes will run daily from May 1 to October 1, with screenings every hour from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sundays. Tickets are priced at $14.99 for adults, $12.99 for seniors, and $10.99 for children, making it an affordable and enriching addition to any Sitka itinerary.

Concessions, including popcorn, drinks, and snacks, will be available inside the theater, adding to the immersive experience. Visitors can expect the full event to take about 45 minutes, allowing plenty of time to find seats, enjoy the film, and depart with a new appreciation for Sitka’s ecosystems.

For more information and to reserve your tickets in advance, visit Sitka Wonders Booking Page stop by our booth in the heart of downtown during your trip. We can’t wait to share the magic of Sitka with you in 2025!

A Vision for the Future

Sitka Wonders is more than a film—it’s a way to connect people with the best of Sitka in a meaningful and responsible way. For visitors who travel halfway around the world to experience this place, we want to help them slow down, immerse themselves in its beauty, and leave with a deeper appreciation for its ecosystems and culture.

Sustainable tourism is at the heart of our mission. Sitka’s magic lies in its balance between wildness and community, and we believe in protecting that while offering visitors unforgettable experiences. From learning how salmon sustain the forests to witnessing a whale breach in Sitka Sound, we want people to leave with memories that truly reflect the essence of this place.

On a personal level, Sitka Wonders is also about building a legacy—for my children and future generations. I want my kids to grow up knowing the value of wild places, not just through stories or photos, but by experiencing them firsthand. Some of my favorite moments have been spent here with my family—watching my kids marvel at a tidepool teeming with life or hearing the sound of a far off whale breath on a calm morning. Those are the moments I hope to preserve, not just for them, but for every family who visits Sitka.

We're starting Sitka Wonders with a film, but are excited to build new ways to connect visitors with Sitka:

• Guided photography expeditions to help you capture incredible wildlife and landscapes.
• Immersive exhibits that highlight Sitka’s marine life, forests, and culture.
• Sustainable wildlife watching tours

At its core, Sitka Wonders is about helping visitors experience Sitka fully—slowing down, engaging their senses, and connecting to the extraordinary magic of this place. And for me, it’s about ensuring this place remains as awe-inspiring for my children—and yours—as it is today.

Pack Your Sense of Wonder

Creating Sitka’s Hidden Wonders film experience has deepened my appreciation for this extraordinary place in ways I never thought possible. It’s my hope that when you see the film — whether you’re a wildlife photographer, a local Sitkan, or a first-time visitor stepping off a cruise ship, it will inspire that same feeling of awe I experienced back on my first trip.

Are you ready to explore Sitka’s hidden gems and make your own connections to this magical destination? We can’t wait to share it with you.

Check out the film starting May 2025 at the downtown Coliseum Theatre. Until then, browse our resources or plan your trip like our article about the Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska. And remember—pack your sense of wonder.

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