The Last Alaskans (2015)

About The Last Alaskans

The Last Alaskans, released in 2015, is a gripping reality show portraying the harsh yet beautiful life of the last remaining settlers in Alaska. The series records the daily lives and seasonal activities of several families and individuals living in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, a protected area that has banned further human habitation.

Making / Production

The series is produced by Half Yard Productions, with renowned producers Mike Gara, Tim Pastore, and Star Price at the helm. Undaunted by the extreme weather conditions and logistical challenges, the series brings Alaska's wilderness and the unique lifestyles of its subjects to the viewers with high-definition cinematography and precise editing.

Actors

• Heimo Korth - Plays himself, showcasing the rigorous yet peaceful life he leads in the wilderness with his wife Edna Korth. Heimo's perfect portrayal of his life makes it feel genuine and relatable.
• Edna Korth - Portrays herself, complementing her husband Heimo and sharing the trials, tribulations, and small joys of living deep in the Alaskan wilderness.
• Bob Harte - Delivers a stoic yet tender portrayal of himself. The trapper's desolate lifestyle and love for Alaska were brought to life through Bob's passionate acting.
• The Lewis Family - This family of five perfectly displayed the balance of familial togetherness and raw survival skills necessary for living in the Alaskan wild.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series is filmed in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area where no new human occupancy is allowed.
• Heimo Korth, one of the protagonists of the show, came to Alaska at age 19 and learned wilderness living skills from native Yupik Eskimo.
• The series faced criticism from some quarters due to the invasive presence of a film crew in the wildlife refuge.
• During the winter season, the temperature in the region can drop to as low as -40 degrees Celsius.

Quotes

• "It's not a life for everyone, but it's a life for us." - Heimo Korth
• "People call this the middle of nowhere - I call it the center of my world." - Bob Harte
• "In this life, you can't hold onto things. It's about surviving and letting go." - Edna Korth

Music, Soundtrack

• The atmospheric and intense musical score for the series was provided by David Vanacore.
• The music effortlessly compliments the raw and dramatic visuals of the Alaskan wilderness and the struggling yet extraordinary life of its few human inhabitants.