Old Minto Alaska documentary film project

Greetings everyone. My name is Irene Robin Titus Sherry. I am an elder tribal member of the Native Village of Minto in central Alaska.

My family and I have recently set up Benhti Creations, a new non profit organization supporting and promoting the creative arts of our community members. This year our primary project is the production of a full length film documenting the history and lifestyle of the Dene Athabascan people who lived in the community we now call Old Minto, the small isolated subsistence village where I grew up. Google it!

Our Alaskan filmmaker Woodruff Laputka is crafting a film that will tell the story of this community that was founded in 1914 and relocated in 1970 due to recurring flooding. The film will feature archived and current film and photos, interviews with former residents telling stories and sharing memories, the Native songs and other great music from that time, and old Athabascan traditions following the seasons of the year. We are producing this film so that our children and grandchildren will learn where we came from, and to share this unique story of a forgotten time with other Alaskans and interested citizens of the world.

We are working hard to secure a total film budget of $105,000 from our family and tribe, and public and private foundations and donors. This GoFundMe fundraiser allows you, our friends and family, to assist us personally by covering storyteller honoraria, film production, and distribution expenses.

The film is in production through October,and will be released in Alaska in December 2024. Next year we hope to present at film festivals and on television networks nationwide. Benhti Creations will own and distribute the film on line and on DVD at no cost. We hope you will be able to attend the premiere! Your name will be in the credits!

Your gift of $50, $100, or $250 will go a long way to realizing this dream. Any amount you can contribute will be greatly appreciated!

We give you our thanks In our Benhti Kanaagga language; Basi'