Dr. Andrew Armacost, President | University of North Dakota
Dr. Andrew Armacost, President | University of North Dakota
A documentary produced by the University of North Dakota (UND) is set to be showcased at the Fargo Film Festival from March 18-22. The film, titled "Carl Ben Eielson: Over the Top of the World," was created by the UND Aerospace Network (ASN), which is part of UND Aerospace's distance learning division.
ASN, equipped with UND's only TV production studio and Grand Forks' sole digital high-definition uplink, produces content for both promotional and educational purposes. This particular documentary was made for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, a partner and client of ASN. The commission also manages the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame, where Carl Ben Eielson was inducted in 1997.
David Kuznicki, who directed and produced the film alongside co-producer Robert Cary, expressed pride in having their work featured at the festival. "This is certainly a first for us, but hopefully not the last," said Kuznicki. He emphasized that Eielson's story represents courage and innovation that transcends aviation circles.
The documentary explores Eielson's adventurous life as an aviator who tragically died during a rescue mission in Siberia in 1929. It details his rise from humble beginnings in North Dakota to becoming an Arctic legend after completing the first aerial crossing of the North Pole.
In October 2024, "Carl Ben Eielson: Over the Top of the World" won two regional Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Upper Midwest Chapter. It received awards for Historical/Cultural/Nostalgia-Long Form Content and Writing.
Details about screening dates for this documentary at the Fargo Film Festival will be announced soon on their website.
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