Bodies of Water

Written by Adrina Knutson and Directed by Maya Salganek.

“Bodies of Water” is an exploration into loss, grief, guilt, and the confrontation of fear. The story follows Leona, a young woman who fails to prevent the drowning death of her sister, Willow. After running away from home, Leona is haunted by her developing fear of water. She becomes involved with a vaudevillian performance troupe, through which she confronts her darkest fears.

UAF Film Alumnae, Adrina Knutson, wrote the screenplay, “Bodies of Water” her final semester at UAF. Adrina’s was tragically killed in a car accident in Tanzania while working on a film project in 2012. Faculty, students, alumni, and Adrina’s family are collaborating to produce this film project in her memory.

Movie poster for Bodies of Water.

 

Filming an outdoor scene in Bodies of Water. UAF Photo by Salganek

Cast

SILVERMAN ...

 Casey X. Bohan

FATHER ...

 Allan Hayton

WILLOW ...

 Nanieezh Peter

LEONA ...

 Ariana Polanco

MISTER ...

 William K. Rogers

Production Crew

Producer ...

 Leonard Kamerling

Producer ...

 Maya Salganek

Music ...

 Trevor Adams

Cinematography ...

 Ida Hardy

Editing ...

 Leonard Kamerling

Casting ...

 Carrie Baker, Maya Salganek & Jill Shipman

Production Design ...

 Kade Mendelowitz

Set Decoration ...

 Adam Gilette

1st Assistant Director ...

 Jill Shipman

2nd Assistant Director ...

 Richard Atkin

2nd 2nd Assistant Director ...

 Carrie Baker & Andrew Glynn

Set Design ...

 Mackyle Bogachoff & Emily Ross

Carpenter ...

 Freddy Gryder

Property Master ...

 Katarina Vance

Sound Recordist ...

 Buck Barbieri & Janis Carney

VO Recordist ...

 Lori Neufeld

Boom Operator ...

 Jerry Swanson

Sound Mixer ...

 Kathy Turco

Camera Operator ...

 Anthony Annis-Rastaetter & Ryan Osborne

1st Assistant Camera ...

 Mika McCrary & Montana Troyer

2nd Assistant Camera ...

 Soren-Rain Adair

Lighting Technician ...

 Adam Gilette

Gaffer ...

 Kade Mendelowitz

Grip ...

 Collin O'Connor & Garrett Wilson

Key Costumer ...

 Erlee Hjellen

Costumer ...

 Jerene Moiser

Wardrobe Supervisor ...

 Stephanie Rivet

Special Effects ...

 Buck Barbieri

Assistant Editor ...

 Derwin Teague

Digital Image Technician ...

 Hunter Wurster

Location Manager ...

 Buck Barbieri

Script Supervisor ...

 Deanna Knutson & Kavelina Torres

Driver ...

 Jason Guilford

Transportation Coordinator ...

 Nannette Pierson

Transportation Captain ...

 Caleb Sterns

 

Press

The filming of Bodies of Water was prominently featured in the University of 91Ƶ Fairbanks College of Liberal Arts' annual publication, Clarity, as a heartfelt tribute to the late Adrina Knutson. Directed by Maya Salganek and produced by a dedicated film crew in fall 2016, the project aimed to honor Adrina, who tragically passed away in 2012. Adrina’s youngest sister, Deanna, played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the script, which was based on their childhood memories. The publication highlighted the collective effort to stay true to Adrina’s vision and the film's powerful message, despite logistical challenges. The cast and crew’s commitment, driven by the desire to honor Adrina's legacy, transformed the project into a beautiful homage, touching many lives and continuing Adrina’s impact long after her death.

 

Behind the Scenes Photos

Crew gather around a camera during the filming of Bodies of Water in September 2016. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
Adriana Polanco and Nanieezh Peter pose during filming for Bodies of Water. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
A cameraman films a scene from Bodies of Water. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
Crew gathers in a dining room to film a scene from Bodies of Water in September 2016. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
Filming of Bodies of Water in September 2016. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
The view of the filming of Bodies of Water through a screen. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
Filming in the water during shooting for Bodies of Water. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
Shooting an outdoor scene from Bodies of Water in September 2016. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
Filming an outdoor scene of Bodies of Water. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
Ariana Polanco filming a water tank escape during Boadies of Water. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
Adriana Polanco and Nanieezh Peter pose during filming for Bodies of Water. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek
The cast and crew of Bodies of Water gather for a group photo during shooting in the fall of 2016. UAF Photo by Maya Salganek