Games of Survival: A Culture Preserved in Ice

A documentary film about WEIO, the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. Native Eskimos have competed in these games since 1961, which is a gathering of Eskimo people from all around the circumpolar region. It is the largest annual celebration of Alaskan Native Heritage. Through travelling to native villages and filming WEIO, this film will provide a look into the lives of native Alaskan Eskimos and share their traditions and culture with the audience.

  • Nicholas Natale
    Director
  • Nicholas Natale
    Producer
  • Enver Perez
    Editor
  • Nick Hanson
    Key Cast
  • Stan Riley
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Sports, Native American, Documentary, Nature, History, Alaska
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 23 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 13, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    2,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director Biography - Nicholas Natale

Masters degree student in filmmaking at Harvard University.
Graduate of the New England Institute of Art.

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Director Statement

The goal of this documentary is to show the world a snippet of Alaskan Eskimo culture. There is a misconception in the lower 48 United States when talking about Eskimo people that they don’t exist anymore, and the ones who do live in igloos way in the wilderness. I intend to show how this is a false misconception, that these people are just like everyone else in the United States, and live in villages that support athletics, culture, and community like those in the lower 48. There has yet to be a modern narrative documentary that uses cinematic tools to bring to life this Eskimo culture. By using footage from the World Eskimo Indian Olympics and nature shots from around Alaska, the film will show the viewer that we are all similar and strive to live harmoniously with one another.