Princess Cruises’ “The Heart of Alaska” video has earned a special level of recognition by winning the “Best Cinematography” award at the New York Independent Film & Video Festival, one of the largest independent film festivals in the world. Filmed as a training and marketing tool, the video reinforces the raw beauty and splendor that is Alaska, and as such produced a wonderful film of what our 49th state is all about. Princess Cruises beat out nearly 100 Best Film entries for the prestigious award at the festival’s recent Los Angeles competition.

“The Heart of Alaska” is a unique high-definition documentary that showcases the Princess cruisetour experience by beautifully depicting the land, wildlife and people of Alaska with dramatic visuals and music. The 26-minute film, photographed and directed by Princess video producer Scott Martin, features fascinating interviews with some of the people who make the state unique, as they tell their stories of life in the untamed wilderness of Alaska’s interior.

“We’re delighted that the judges at the New York Independent Film & Video Festival recognized how superbly this film was photographed,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises senior vice president. “‘The Heart of Alaska’ may well be the most unique cruise destination video in the industry because it uses a documentary style to tell its story through local voices. With stunning photography and music, it’s just like something you’d find on a nature channel…or in a theater.”

Viewers meet rangers from both Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks, Alaska natives, homesteaders and dog mushers who share an insiders’ perspective of life in the 49th state. Other voices include a bush pilot, a captain from Fairbanks’ iconic riverboat and a mountain climber.

The film also brings the audience up close to the wildlife of Denali National Park, including bears, moose, dall sheep, and caribou. Soaring photography takes viewers high above the world’s tallest peaks, including “The Great One,” Mt. McKinley.

“The Heart of Alaska” is the first in a series of Princess videos offering a unique look at the company’s destinations. It can be purchased aboard the line’s Alaska ships or at any of Princess’ five Alaska wilderness lodges.

Princess is a leader in Alaska vacations, giving travelers the opportunity to combine a cruise with rail and wilderness lodge options to experience the top highlights of this majestic state.

The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) has been recognized by the film and entertainment industry as one of the leading film events on the independent festival circuit. The NYIIFVF hosts film, music and art events in the two entertainment capitals of the United States: New York and Los Angeles, and attracts entries from around the world.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a Princess Commodore Agent, like myself,, by calling 1-888-579-8706, or by visiting my website at www.AVCTravel.com/GreggEppleman