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Greatland Studios Wins Humanitarian Award at AIFF for "Hidden Roots" Short Documentary
ANCHORAGE, AK: At the December 2025 Anchorage International Film Festival (AIFF), Greatland Studios’ short documentary Hidden Roots was honored with a prestigious Humanitarian Award.
While receiving recognition is always exciting, this award validates the core mission of Greatland Studios: to use high-quality, cinematic video production and compassionate storytelling to shine a light on unique aspects of the human experience.
A Story of Resilience in Anchorage
Hidden Roots is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The documentary follows the journeys of two remarkable women, Nyabony Gat and Marie Claire Mukambuguje, who fled separate conflicts in Africa years apart. It was produced in partnership with Anchorage-based nonprofit Keys to Life, with funding support from the Alaska Humanities Forum and the Atwood Foundation.
The film does not shy away from the difficult realities of the refugee and immigrant experience. It explores:
- The personal hardships of leaving one’s homeland.
- The systemic challenges of navigating life as a new arrival in the U.S.
- The complex journey of integration in a new culture.
However, at its core, Hidden Roots is a story about hope. It chronicles how these women found friendship, forged community, and discovered profound healing here in their adopted home of Anchorage, Alaska.
Why the Humanitarian Award Matters
The AIFF Humanitarian Award is given to films that highlight significant social issues and champion the dignity of all people.
For a production company like Greatland Studios, this recognition is meaningful for two reasons:
- Validating Voices: It honors the courage of the women who trusted us to tell their stories. It proves that when we listen to our neighbors, we foster empathy and create art that resonates.
- Excellence in Filmmaking: It underscores our commitment to producing world-class content. Whether we are working on a commercial project, a brand narrative, or a documentary film, we bring the same level of cinematic excellence and narrative depth to the table.
“When we put people into categories, unfortunately we often stop listening to them,” said Greatland Studios’ CEO and Hidden Roots director Brad Hillwig following the AIFF screening. “This film strives for the highest purpose of documentary storytelling. It is designed to start a conversation, share new perspectives, and encourage us to listen with compassion and to get to know our neighbors and community members.”
Greatland Studios Commitment
Producers of Hidden Roots are working to create conversation and community around this film. If you are interested in hosting a private viewing or community event, please contact us or connect with Keys to Life.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the AIFF jury, the partners that made this film possible and, most importantly, Nyabony and Marie, whose stories echo the experiences of so many immigrants and refugees working to build a life in a new home.
Looking to tell your story?
At Greatland Studios, we bring award-winning quality to every project. Contact us today to discuss your next video production in Anchorage and beyond.
