Award-winning Filipino-American filmmaker and founder of MANA Alaska, Joshua Albeza Branstetter of Branstetter Film, and I have worked together since 2021 on creative photography and film projects. In 2023, we released “At Home/In Home” about childcare in Kotzebue, and since March 2024, we have been working on a childcare documentary series based on the Kenai Peninsula. In 2025, we released “ILP,” a short documentary based in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, focused on the Infant Learning Program (which was screened at the prestigious Anchorage International Film Festival in 2025), and “Growing the Kenai: Childcare Licensing,” which takes place throughout the Kenai Peninsula and focuses on childcare. Our films can be viewed on our series’ Vimeo Showcase. We also collaborate on this series with Juneau-based animator Pat Race of Lucid Reverie, and with Anchorage-based Frostline Studios.
The Early Childhood in Alaska Film Series Team
Photo by Marissa Lackey
"When Laura and Josh came to our organization to film the documentary "ILP," I was very impressed by their professionalism and warmth with staff, families, and young children.
I then had the opportunity to travel down to Juneau for the premiere of the film (which Laura organized, very successfully). Laura also helped us prepare to testify to a Senate Committee in support of a bill related to the Infant Learning Program. I had never testified to the legislature before, and was very nervous, but Laura assured me and helped me focus my remarks. I did well, and have new confidence in myself as an advocate!”
Cheryl Welcome, Developmental Specialist-Supervisor
Palmer, Alaska