Chasing Rainbows
Contributed by BRADFORD JACKSON FILMS, A local Alaskan Theatrical Production Company
In the world of independent cinema, a new venture emerges from the rugged wilderness of Alaska’s own backyard, promising to captivate audiences with its blend of fantasy and reality. 'Chasing Rainbows,' a film currently in its pre-production stages, marks a significant departure from conventional storytelling, weaving narrative rich in fantasy against the backdrop of Alaska's breathtaking landscapes. Spearheaded by Aaron Gordon, a resident of the Kenai Peninsula and a creative force in both writing and directing, this project seeks to blend the ethereal with the earthly in a manner seldom explored in the realm of low-budget filmmaking.
'Chasing Rainbows' tells the story of a teenage girl who finds herself inadvertently transported to a mystical land, a place where the answers to life's great questions remain tantalizingly out of reach. According to Gordon, the film draws inspiration from the very essence of what it means to journey into the unknown. "The rainbows are kind of a bridge to another world, and each time a character crosses that bridge there’s a series of alternate worlds." he explains, shedding light on the film's core concept. This imaginative exploration, rooted in Gordon's own literary work by the same name, sets the stage for a narrative filled with wonder, discovery, and the beauty of the Alaskan landscape.
Now, as someone deeply immersed in the Alaskan film scene, what makes this project truly stand out is not just its ambitious storytelling but the palpable passion and community support fueling its journey to the screen. Aaron Gordon, a name many of you might not know yet is about to change that. Living on the Kenai Peninsula, Gordon's surrounded by the kind of scenery filmmakers elsewhere could only dream of capturing. It's this scenery he intends to showcase in "Chasing Rainbows," a story that’s as much an adventure as it is a love letter to the unknown.
Why Alaska, you ask? For Gordon, it was never a question. "I would look out the window and know that films pay big budgets for the backdrops I already have at my fingertips," he shares, echoing the sentiments of many Alaskans who see their home as a hidden gem in the world of cinema. Gordon's journey to filmmaking started as early as age five, transforming childhood play into a lifelong pursuit of storytelling. Transitioning from short films to a feature-length endeavor presented its challenges, chiefly the daunting task of scaling a vision to fit a narrative that spans about 90 minutes. But Gordon is undaunted, supported by a community of artists and supporters who believe in the power of local storytelling.
"Chasing Rainbows" is more than just a film; it's a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Kenai Peninsula's artistic community. Led by Final Spark, a film group Gordon is a part of, this project aims to be the first of many feature films to come out of the region. The anticipation surrounding its release is a beacon of hope for aspiring filmmakers and a clear sign that Alaska has stories worth telling on the global stage.
As Gordon and his team navigate the complexities of bringing "Chasing Rainbows" to life, their journey embodies the very essence of creative perseverance. From facing the logistical challenges of shooting in remote locations to capturing the subtle nuances of character development, every step forward is a leap towards realizing a shared dream. It's a dream rooted in the belief that even in the vastness of Alaska, there's a story around every corner, waiting to be told.
The film is currently scheduled to be filmed July through August and possibly part of September. For audiences eagerly awaiting 'Chasing Rainbows,' the film promises not only a glimpse into the mystical but also a celebration of the human spirit's resilience. As Gordon succinctly puts it, "I hope to show off Alaska... to make Alaskans proud, but also to show audiences outside Alaska, that more films can and should be made here." With themes of growth, hope, and the enduring power of family and forgiveness, 'Chasing Rainbows' is set to be a beacon of indie filmmaking, proving once again that great stories often come from the most unexpected places.