Celebrating Christmas Eve Mass, with candle-lit parishes, traditional nativity songs and readings of the arrival of Emanuel, is an ancient practice for over a billion Catholics around the word. Access to this beloved tradition, however, is challenging for Alaskans in remote areas of The Last Frontier that are devoid of resident pastors.
This is where the Dominican friars posted at Holy Family Cathedral come in. Each Christmas Eve, the religious order enlists friars to crisscross hundreds of miles, braving the winter weather, in order to serve the faithful on one of the most cherished evenings of the year.
On December 14, the Anchorage-based Dominicans will premiere their new short film, Sleigh Ride: Christmas in the Last Frontier, at Bear Tooth Theater in Anchorage.
The movie documents the adventures of two hearty young friars who embark on a 28-hour whirlwind journey across Alaska’s frozen landscape.
Honored with selection to the 2025 Anchorage International Film Festival, the movie depicts dedicated missionaries who are inspired by their predecessors to brave the elements for the greater good.
After being encouraged to document the annual adventure, the Dominicans agreed to let a film crew join them.
“We hope this film inspires people, and reminds them that Christmas is something worth going the extra mile to celebrate,” Fr. Christopher Fadok, O.P., Prior Provincial of the Western Dominican Province explained, “especially since the person we celebrate during the Christmas season is Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
The film follows two friars who embark from their headquarters in Anchorage on Christmas Eve and travel to three remote communities in Trapper Creek, Talkeetna, and Glennallen. Their goal is to return home just in time for Christmas dinner with their fellow religious brothers. Among the friars, this yearly mission is coined, “the sleigh ride.”
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
With beautiful cinematography and a peek inside the life of a Catholic priest, the film takes audiences alongside the friars as they battle exhaustion, frozen roads, high winds, and a tight schedule to make Christmas possible for those who would otherwise go without the center piece of the season.
“Serving deep within the Last Frontier is a reminder that everyone matters, that Our Lord died for all, and he calls us to serve all,” said Father Matthew Heynen, one of the film’s main characters.
MOVIE PREMIER DETAILS
— The film premier is set for Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Bear Tooth Theater in Anchorage. Doors open, with refreshments, at 9:30 a.m. The screening begins at 10:15 a.m., followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and Fairbanks Bishop Steven Maekawa, who is also a Dominican.
— Advanced ticket purchase is required, and there will be no tickets sold at the door. Tickets can only be purchased at this website. Please do not contact the theatre regarding tickets or event details.
2 Comments
I would like.
To cancel whatever it is that makes my phone chime / ring when there’s news. I would rather just get it by email. It doesn’t make my phone make a noise. But I can’t figure out how to cancel the is spontaneous chime. if that makes any sense to you. just emails for your news please.
go to your settings and turn off notifications.