JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska –
The Alaska Army National Guard will take to the giant screen with the premiere of Arctic Extreme: Aviation on the Edge, a documentary style film offering audiences a rare, immersive look at the Soldiers, aircraft and missions that define Army Guard aviation in Alaska.
The approximately 30-minute film will premiere in Anchorage Aug. 29 at the Regal Tikahtnu IMAX theater, followed by a screening in Fairbanks Aug. 30 at the Regal Goldstream IMAX theater. The film provides audiences an opportunity to experience Alaska Army National Guard aviation from perspectives rarely available to the public.
Produced by Studio 51 Films, Arctic Extreme was filmed over 15 days across Southcentral and Southeast Alaska, including Anchorage, Juneau and Sitka. The production places audiences alongside Alaska Army National Guard aircrews as they operate across some of the state's most challenging and visually striking terrain.
The film crew flew aboard both the UH-60L Black Hawk and HH-60M MEDEVAC Black Hawk, capturing low-level terrain flights and hoist operations over massive glaciers. Crews also captured CH-47 Chinook operations around Denali National Park and rare air-to-air footage of an Alaska Army National Guard C-12 Huron in flight.
“Every day, I was impressed by the skill, dedication and professionalism of the pilots and teams we worked with,” said Christopher Vasquez, director of Arctic Extreme. “But they were also incredibly passionate about Alaska and the places where they fly. They genuinely appreciate the landscape and the environment around them, and I think that comes through in the film.”
Beyond showcasing aircraft and missions, the film tells the story of the men and women of the Alaska Army National Guard who call the state home. They are Alaskans who live and work in communities across the state while maintaining the training and readiness required to respond when called upon by Alaska or the nation.
“These are our neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members,” said Lt. Col. Amy Slinker, commander of the Alaska Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion. “They live here, they serve here, and they understand firsthand the challenges that come with operating in Alaska. Arctic Extreme gives Alaskans a chance to see what their Army National Guard does and, more importantly, to see the Soldiers behind those missions.”
The film highlights the unique demands of Army aviation in Alaska, including operations in mountainous and glaciated terrain, search and rescue capabilities, and missions supporting national defense.