Sitka's Hidden Wonders, 43min., USA
Directed by Ben Hamilton
Sitka’s Hidden Wonders is a 40-minute theatrical nature film that blends sweeping cinematography with a deeply personal story of return. Told by award–winning wildlife filmmaker Ben Hamilton, the film explores what it means to truly see a place—through the hidden layers of one of Alaska’s wildest coastal ecosystems.

https://instagram.com/sitkawonders

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Every summer, over 600,000 people visit Sitka, but most just walk around town and never see the incredible natural wonders all around us. I wanted to create a film that connects them to this place—beyond the shops and the docks—into the wild heart of Sitka. After years of filming here for networks like BBC and National Geographic, this was my chance to make something for Sitka itself.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The film took two years of full-time work, plus a year of planning and permits before that. And some shots were collected over the last decade—moments I'd been saving for the right project.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Local. Connected.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest obstacle was really time. The focus and intensity it took to deliver a film like this while still being there for my small kids and wife. It meant weeks away in the field, long nights editing, and constantly trying to balance the work with family life.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It was great to hear their reactions to the film. I've been showing the film in person in Sitka all summer so getting audience reaction has not been new, but always great to hear that people not in that place still really connected to the film.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I started making films in high school—shooting weddings, promos, stop motion, documentaries, and funny shorts with friends. I always through I wanted to make fantasy and sci fi films, but eventually found my way to nature and wildlife!

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The Empire Strikes Back, Tropic Thunder, and The Fellowship of the Ring. I watch a lot of wildlife films and documentaries, but epic fantasy and comedy are my go-to for downtime.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I'd love more of those raw, immediate audience reactions right after a film—before the analysis that I could use for social. The multi minute format is a bit awkward and not as helpful for reaction cut ups.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?

It's been easy to navigate and makes it simple to track submissions and discover new festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Fresh-caught king salmon grilled with black cod tips—ideally eaten outdoors with friends.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

We're building Sitka's Hidden Wonders into a full tourism experience in Alaska. We've rented the main theatre downtown for two years, we're working with cruise ships to bring the film to their guests, and we're creating tours that take people into the places they see on screen—so they can experience them firsthand and find their own wonders. We have a new film were working on for the area that dives deeper into some of the elements we touched on in the film but its too early to talk about that!