Local film released during Wasilla block party

WASILLA — “Sudsy Slim Rides Again,” the latest feature production from the Carpenter brothers and Nomad Cinematics made its way to the small screen during their DVD/Blu-ray release party during the city of Wasilla’s Summer Block Party at the Wasilla Museum.

“This was the first place you could get it which is kind of exciting for us to have that opportunity,” Wasilla Museum curator Bethany Buckingham said.

Several food trucks and street vendors showed up for the block party that spilled over into the street. There were wagon rides, mini tractors and other activities for the children and the adults had plenty of beer to sample. Throughout the day, people moseyed throughout the historic town site. Buckingham was happy to look out and see something for the kids, something for the adults, “a great community activity that utilizes out town site, the museum, and the whole block.”

Tundra Comics creator and filmmaker, Chad Carpenter was inside the historic, red barn signing copies of his new movie. Facing him was the same Sudsy slim mummy prop from the film, staring at Carpenter inside the same building he was introduced in during the film. Chad often told people, “he’s in his natural habitat.”

“We feel very privileged that he chose us to be the kind of coming out party for his DVD [and Blu-ray],” Buckingham said.

The Wasilla Museum has been a longtime supporter of the Carpenter brothers and Nomad cinematics, allowing them to use their historic buildings for both of their films.

”It’s always funny when you see your buildings on the big screen because you’re like: ‘Wow! They look really cool!’ Like, they’re cool now but then they look even cooler on the big screen. So, it’s nice to be a part of that community event as well because as he [Chad] always says, his movies are ‘made by a community,’” Buckingham said.

She noted in the middle of her interview, that she hadn’t gone to see Chad yet because she was preoccupied with her work.

“I’ve been doing everything else so that’s what happens when you’re the curator,”

Selena Ortega-Chiolero, Cultural Development Assistant at Chickaloon Village Traditional Council and Former Executive Director at Palmer Museum of History and Art

Ortega-Chiolero volunteered at the block party. She knew Buckingham needed the help. She said that’s how it goes out here in the Mat-Su Valley; the various museums often support each other, sharing their time and other resources.

“We all try to get together every now and then every now and then, even though I’m not with Palmer Museum anymore, but still do so it’s kind of nice. There’s a group of us that gets together,” Ortega-Chiolero said.

The Chickaloon Village Traditional Council will lead a mini snow show crafting workshop at the Wasilla Museum Aug. 9, Ortega-Chiolero said.

“We’re all kind of struggling so we’ve learned that in order to succeed and to do well, you really have to kind of support each other and some of us have greater resources than others. When you’re working collaboratively, thing seem to go better,” Ortega-Chiolero said.

She noted that the fact she used to be Buckingham’s assistant, “probably helps too.”

Carpenter said there “has to be a third movie” and everyone is still brainstorming what that may be. He said that will definitely be “something different” with the “same Tundra-esque humor.” The next production will likely be set in the winter to “showcase Alaska’s beauty,” Carpenter said.

The “Sudsy Slim Rides Again” DVD and Blu-ray will be available for purchase at the Wasilla Museum next week, Carpenter said. “Moose the Movie” is already available at the museum and other locations.

“They’ve been so helpful,” Carpenter said. “They’ve been good to us.”

Aurelia Gonzalez and her sister, Nayeli both have memories from the set of “Sudsy Slum Rides Again.” Aurelia was the script supervisor and brought her sister with her on occasion.

“It was a really good experience for me. I defiantly learned a lot,” Aurelia said.

The sisters strolled around the block party, collecting signatures from the cast and crew of “Sudsy Slim Rides” again for Nayeli’s drawing. Nayeli approached Carpenter at his booth inside the old colonial barn, the same one used in the Tundra comic strip creator’s most recent film because she had a cartoon of her own. She drew a handful of the main characters. Carpenter smiled and drew his classic, cartoon moose signature. Zack Lanphier, who played the villain, Burt was grabbing more of the Sudsy Slim beer for the beer garden next door. He looked down at the teen’s drawing.

“That’s better than anything you’ve ever drawn, Chad!” Lanphier said.

Lanphier brewed a special, limited batch of Sudsy Slim inspired beer, described as a “wild ale.” Four Corners Lounge owner, John Denny was also in the barn. He said that he will keep selling the Sudsy beer until it’s gone.

“I don’t know much about beer, but it taste like beer should,” Carpenter laughed.

Upcoming events at the Wasilla Museum:

Night at the Museum Summer Series — “Starting June 14th through August 9th is the Wasilla Museum's; Thursday Nights at the Museum! Learn local and state history, hear from local historians, enjoy fun entertainers, learn from local educators & artists and best of all- It's Free! Join the fun; Thursday Nights at the Museum from 5:30-7:30 PM. Bring the family and of course the visiting friends and relatives!”; July 26 — Botanical Skincare Part I with Sonya Funaro of Just Botanicals; August 2 — Botanical Skincare Part II with Sonya Funaro of Just Botanicals

August 9 - Snowshoe Lacing Workshop and Ahtna Storytelling - limited seating. Contact 907-745-0737 to sign up; August 16 — Rock painting with AK Valley Rocks

For more information contact the museum at 373-9071.

“Sudsy Slim Rides Again” on DVD and Blu-ray will be available at the Alaska State Fair at the Tundra Comics booth.