Experiencing Interruptions?

Birch Land

Step into Sylvia's woodland realm, where the air is crisp with the scent of birch and the only sounds are the gentle rustle of leaves and the occasional call of a distant bird. Here, nestled deep in the forest near Dawson City, under the eternal glow of the midnight sun, Sylvia and her family have carved out a life centered around the ancient craft of birch syrup production.

Raised amidst the towering trees and whispering winds, Sylvia's connection to the land runs deep. For her, birch syrup isn't just a livelihood—it's a profound expression of her bond with the natural world. Unlike traditional agriculture, her methods require no disruption of the forest ecosystem, only a delicate tapping of nature's own reservoirs.

Yet, despite the remote location, Sylvia's forest home is far from solitary. Surrounded by her loved ones and enmeshed in the rhythms of the local community, she finds herself at the heart of a vibrant, interconnected web of life.

Join us as we delve into Sylvia's world—a place where tradition meets innovation, and the simple act of harvesting syrup becomes a testament to the enduring beauty of nature's bounty, illuminated by the perpetual glow of the midnight sun.

  • June Kukina
    Director
  • June Kukina
    Producer
  • Sam Flaming
    Executive Assistant
  • Sylvia Frisch
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Web / New Media
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 6, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    MPEG-4 AAC, H.264
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • Sam Flaming
Director Biography - June Kukina

I had traveled all over the world for 15 years and worked on several project promotion videos. After settle down in Yukon, I created Youtube channel for introducing Yukon Arctic Culture. A short film titled “Yukon Long Term Housing Plan” was created that deals with the social issue of the lack of housing. The most recent work is a short documentary "Birch Land" as a director/ producer.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Dawson City's fame stems from its Gold Rush heritage. To delve into this era's charm, watch cinematic gems such as Charlie Chaplin's 'Gold Rush' and Jack London's 'White Fang.' The tale of relentless dream-chasers in the frigid wilderness echoes a bygone era. I felt this resilient spirit firsthand while meeting Birch Syrup Harvesters near Dawson City.
These harvesters are among the select few worldwide who produce birch syrup, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to capture their unique philosophy on film. While temperate zone rely on forest blessings, those near the Arctic Circle have forged a distinct set of values shaped by their environment's challenges. Their deep connection to the land is mirrored in the wisdom of the local First Nation communities, whose knowledge and respect for nature continue to guide sustainable living in this harsh environment.
In the unforgiving Arctic, every resource is invaluable. Winter brings temperatures plummeting to -45 degrees, severely limiting outdoor activities. Even during summer, growing vegetables is impossible without relying on a wood stove, while fruits remain scarce. These challenges underscore the preciousness of everything in this environment. The values nurtured through mountain living, coupled with the teachings of the First Nation, impart invaluable lessons.