Welcome to Independent Lens.
I'm Pete Schwaba, host of
PBS Wisconsin's Director's Cut.
Tonight, on Independent Lens we hit the trail,
more specifically the sprint dog sled trail,
in Alaska with the film "Attla."
This film shares the virtually unknown story of George Attla,
the most decorated dogsled racer in the history of the sport
and a ten-time Fur Rendezvous world champion.
Before he became a legend in his sport,
George faced many challenges
which make his rise to the top of his game
even more remarkable.
As a child, Attla battled tuberculosis
which became so serious he was hospitalized
for more than nine years
leaving him with a badly damaged kneecap.
But becoming a legend means finding something
you are compelled to do and overcoming any obstacles
life throws at you to achieve your goals.
With one good leg and a crazy dream,
Attla dominated the sport for more than five decades.
In "Attla," director Catherine Axley
tells George's colorful story
while following him as he trains his grandnephew
to race one last time.
As a documentarian, Axley says
that she wants to tell stories that empower
and looks for subjects that defy expectations.
Without question she's found just that in George Attla.
"Attla" starts now, on PBS Wisconsin,
your home for independent film.