On the Ice (2011)

Director:

Andrew Okpeaha MacLean

Writer:

Andrew Okpeaha MacLean

Release Date:

14 December 2011 (France)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Plot:

In Barrow, Alaska, teenagers Qalli and Aivaaq find their bond tested when a seal-hunting trip goes wrong, resulting in the death of their friend.

Plot Keywords:

Death | Barrow Alaska | Alaska | Friend | Seal Hunt

Awards:

5 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Josiah Patkotak	...	Qalli
Frank Qutuq Irelan	...	Aivaaq
Teddy Kyle Smith	...	Egasak
Adamina Kerr	...	Michelle
Sierra Jade Sampson	...	Uvlu
John Miller	...	James
Rosabelle Kunnanna Rexford	...	Aaka
Veron Kanayurak	...	Roscoe
Billyjens Hopson	...	Jens
Jay Rapoza	...	Max
Allison Warden	...	Sigvaun
Denae Brower	...	Darlene
Tara Sweeney	...	Dora
Tasha Taaqpak Panigeo	...	Charlene
Jerica Aamodt	...	Ellie
Gage Saxton	...	DJ
Richard Enlow IV	...	Trace
Johnnie Kunaq Brower	...	Nathaniel
Olemaun Rexford	...	Olemaun
Jack Packer	...	Helicopter Pilot
Thomas Ahtuangaruak Jr.	...	Jimmy
Robert Allen Brouilette	...	Trooper Tagak
Katie Roseberry	...	Teen Girl

Directed by
Andrew Okpeaha MacLean

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Andrew Okpeaha MacLean

Produced by
Susanne Adamski	....	executive producer
Kathryn Dean	....	co-producer
Doug Dey	....	executive producer
Cary Fukunaga	....	executive producer
D.L. Glickman	....	associate producer
Lynette Howell	....	producer
Marco Londoner	....	producer
Zhana Londoner	....	producer
Cara Marcous	....	producer
Nick Morton	....	executive producer
Crystal Powell	....	associate producer
Nick Quested	....	executive producer
Rick Rosenthal	....	executive producer
Gregory Smith	....	executive producer

Original Music by
iZLER

Cinematography by
Lol Crawley

Film Editing by
Nat Sanders

Production Design by
Chad Keith

Art Direction by
Kay Lee

Costume Design by
Courtney McClain

Makeup Department
Nicole Wodowski	....	makeup department head

Production Management
Maura Anderson	....	unit production manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Kit Bland	....	first assistant director
Scott Friedman	....	second assistant director

Art Department
Jonathan Guggenheim	....	property master

Sound Department
Colette Dahanne	....	sound effects editor
Colette Dahanne	....	sound re-recording mixer
James Demer	....	sound mixer
Bob Edwards	....	sound designer
Sean England	....	foley artist
David Fleming	....	boom operator
Chris Gridley	....	dialogue editor
Nia Hansen	....	foley editor
Nia Hansen	....	foley mixer
Daniel Scolari	....	assistant sound editor
Corey Tyler	....	foley recordist

Stunts
Chris Barnes	....	stunt coordinator

Camera and Electrical Department
Jason Alegre	....	loader
Jessica Bennett	....	key grip
Andrew Laboy	....	second assistant camera
Adam Lukens	....	gaffer
Jeff Nolde	....	first assistant camera
Johnny Radzik	....	steadicam
Kyle Simmons	....	lighting technician

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Amy Lynn Zwart	....	costume supervisor (as Amy Kramer)

Editorial Department
Dylan Correll	....	assistant editor
John Dowdell	....	digital intermediate colorist
Craig McKay	....	consulting editor
Jeanne Sison	....	digital intermediate producer

Music Department
Nate Finan	....	assistant to the composer
Nate Finan	....	composer: additional music
iZLER	....	orchestrator

Other crew
Dustin Bricker	....	script supervisor
Nicole Compas	....	production counsel
Carol A. Compton	....	script clearance
André Des Rochers	....	production counsel
Matthew Medlin	....	production accountant
Blair Richman	....	assistant to Silverwood Films

Thanks
Craig Kestel	....	special thanks

Production Companies

• On the Ice Productions
• Silverwood Films
• Treehead Films

Distributors

• Memento Films (2011) (France) (theatrical)

Other Companies

• Cinereach  funding
• Dolby Laboratories  sound mix
• Goldcrest Post Production New York  post-production
• Gray Krauss Des Rochers  legal services
• IndieClear  script clearance

Also Known As:

MPAA:

Rated R for language, some drug content and violence

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

Barrow, Alaska, USA

Company:

On the Ice Productions

Quotes:

Sigvaun:Qalli! You have to help him. You can't let him get caught. He loves you so much.
[about Aivaaq]

The Best Film to show Alaska how it actually is.

This film is a triumph of Alaskan narrative filmmaking. Showing Alaskan Natives as they really live, including old traditions, dance, and hunting, next to cell phones, hip hop, and drugs. It doesn't get tied up on trying to show the beauty of Alaska, and neither the exoticness of it's peoples. Instead, it uses them to further it's themes and plot. Incredibly sensitive, honest, and entertaining.

While it's easy to say this is a movie about the evils of drugs, or the ability of the arctic landscape to drive one to insanity, the film gracefully dodges such easy targets and focuses on a story about a young man trying to grow up and a community dealing with a tragedy, which are much more open ended, accessible ideas. This allows those without any knowledge of Native Alaskans, or Alaska even, to become entranced by the story.

Don't let the non-pro cast turn you away, either. It is all native persons (no Asians pretending to native American), and the direction makes sure they're up to snuff to all other films by mature filmmakers.