Unearth

A film by Hunter Nolan, Auberin Strickland, and Dunedin Strickland

Unearth follows Alaskan siblings, fishermen Aube and Dune Strickland and sisters Cristina and AlexAnna Salmon, as they confront the proposed Pebble Mine, poised to become North America’s largest copper mine in their home of Bristol Bay.

The Stricklands fish for wild Sockeye Salmon in a pristine ecosystem, while the Salmon sisters descend from a tribal community that has stewarded this land for 10,000 years. When Pebble representatives arrive promising cash and coexistence, the siblings investigate, uncovering backdoor deals and dismissed science.

Trading their boat for a camper van, the brothers travel the American West, visiting mining sites and speaking with executives, scientists, politicians, and disaster survivors. Their journey exposes an industry built on extraction, colonialism, and deception, fueled by consumer demand for green technology.

While the brothers dig for truth, the Salmon sisters lead the fight, mobilizing their community to defend their land, livelihoods, and culture, culminating in a hard-won victory and a hopeful vision of community power.

Director

Hunter Nolan, Auberin Strickland, and Dunedin Strickland

Producer

Auberin Strickland, Dunedin Strickland, Hunter Nolan, Gina Papabeis, and Eyal Levy

Runtime

93 minutes

Rights Represented

Educational

Captions Available

None

Language

English

Press

“This film reminds us of the promise that activism holds in the face of fatigue and disillusionment.”

- Erin Brockovich, Executive Producer (Variety)

“UNEARTH is a real kick in the pants. A low key measured exploration of the dangers of mining the film makes it’s points by simply telling and showing us what we need to know. “

- Unseen Films

“…the entire film feels like a race against time, impressive given the five years of footage they had to work with.”

- ReelNewz

Festival & Awards

DOC NYC 2024 –  Official Selection, World Premiere

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2025 – Official Selection

DOXA Documentary Film Festival 2025 – Official Selection

Film Licensing

We distribute films globally but we only hold the rights in particular territories in some cases.

Letting us know what type of group you are will help us get you set up with the right type of license. If you do not fall squarely into one of these categories, select “individual” or contact us at screenings@rocofilms.com.

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Here are some basic definitions to help! Please visit our FAQs for further information.

  • In-person screening: This license includes the public performance rights required to host a screening for your group and a DVD copy of the film
  • Virtual screening: A link and code that are available for a single 72 hour period
  • Streaming subscriptions: Ongoing streaming access for an institution provided by our partner, Film Platform.  Please note it takes 3-5 business days to get your streaming access set up.  Questions about your set-up – contact setup@filmplatform.net.
  • DVD for classroom use: This is a DVD with permission to share in a classroom only
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  • Option to receive registration information.

Includes Standard Setup Plus...

  • Custom screening page with your logo and event description
  • Option to add custom video introduction
  • Ability to add custom resources and ‘Calls to Action’
  • Access to participation and attendance analytics

Don’t worry, you can always change this date if needed!  Please note it takes 1 week to get a virtual screening room or streaming license set up.

Your Selection
Unearth

Beneath the surface, lies the truth

Cost $0.00