Explore Alaska’s Justice System and Inupiaq Beliefs in ‘Blood & Myth’ Documentary

A new documentary on Hulu called “Blood & Myth” follows the investigation into a series of shocking crimes in the village of Kiana, Northwest Alaska. Based on the best-selling Audible audiobook “Midnight Son” by James Dommek Jr., the film is directed by Kahlil Hudson and executive produced by Dommek himself.

The story begins with a series of violent attacks that leave the community shaken. Fugitive Teddy Kyle Smith, a respected Iñupiaq man and actor, becomes the center of attention after fleeing into the wilderness. When he is captured, he claims to have encountered mysterious, sinister beings known as Iñukuns, who allegedly guided his violent actions.

Despite Smith’s claims, he is convicted of attempted murder for leaving his mother dead, shooting two men, and making a run for it. His mother’s cause of death remains inconclusive, adding to the mystery of the case. Smith insists that he encountered the Iñukuns in the woods, a story that is met with skepticism during his trial.

Dommek, intrigued by the local myths and stories of the “little people,” decides to dig deeper into the truth behind Smith’s experience. He visits Smith in prison and finds him to be sharp and grounded, challenging the notion of mental illness. The documentary presents a range of theories on the existence and nature of these mysterious beings, leaving it up to viewers to decide.

Beyond the paranormal elements, the film also sheds light on the failures of the justice system in rural Alaska, particularly in serving Native communities. Dommek hopes to highlight the lingering mysteries of the Alaskan wilderness and the rich storytelling tradition of Indigenous peoples.

The case of Teddy Kyle Smith remains a complex and enigmatic story, blending Indigenous folklore with real-life crime. With a sentence of 99 years for attempted murder, the film raises questions about justice, culture, and the unknown forces at work in the vast Alaskan wilderness.