Hollywood Comes to Kotzebue

Published December 1990 - Kotzebue, AK

Kotzebue was invaded by some 75 Los Angeles types this fall who were filming a full-length Hollywood movie titled "Salmonberries."

The movie is written and directed by German filmmaker Percy Adlon, whose best-known film to date is "Bagdad Cafe."

"Salmonberries," filmed on location in Kotzebue and Berlin, is the story of a half-Eskimo, half-caucasian orphan named "Kotzebue" who is looking for her roots. She meets Kotzebue's librarian, a middle-aged German woman who ran away from her own roots after witnessing a tragedy at Berlin wall 20 years before. Well-known country singer K.D. Lang plays "Kotz."

John and Susan wrote a story in November about the movie for many of the state's daily and weekly newspapers. They also sold it to Alaska magazine and are looking for other markets.

Their story focuses on Jane Lind, an Aleut, who grew up traditionally in a small village in southwest Alaska. Jane Lind wanted to become a professional actress and at age 19 went to New York City to begin a long acting career. "Salmonberries" is Lind's first big break on the silver screen, in which she is playing supporting role opposite Chuck Connors (of "The Rifleman fame).