Simon Scionka is a Colorado-based filmmaker known for his work in both long-form and short-form documentaries. He has filmed in over 40 countries, producing notable works that have earned him multiple festival honors and awards. Some of his acclaimed documentary features include "Poverty, Inc." and "Be Relentless," along with short-form documentaries like "The Wonder of Coffee" and "Mrs. Schneider" .
Scionka began his career in filmmaking at the age of 17, when he traveled to Russia to work with orphan children during summer camps. This early experience deeply influenced his path and commitment to documentary filmmaking. His recent work, "Sacred Alaska," explores the intersection of Native Alaskan culture and Orthodox Christianity, highlighting the resilience and faith of the Native communities in remote parts of Alaska .
Throughout his career, Simon Scionka has been driven by a desire to create films that not only capture the beauty and challenges of different cultures but also inspire and motivate audiences to reflect on their own lives and faith.
He testifies:
I got my start in 1997 when I was 17, traveling to Russia doing summer camps for orphan children and visiting orphanages. Deeply moved by what I learned and experienced over there, I began filming stories of the orphan children and made a 12-minute film to share what I learned with others. I did not realize at the time that I made my first documentary. Now I have worked in documentary film production for over 20 years, having filmed all around the world in over 40 countries. I have filmed feature documentaries (Poverty, Inc., Be Relentless), short films, episodic series (The Good Society, PovertyCure), and educational curriculums. People often ask, "What is your favorite country you've visited?" Well, in many ways I have enjoyed them all, but I do have a few favorites - Russia (my second home), Ethiopia, Greece, and Ireland currently top the list. I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado with my dear wife and our four children. Life is full and I am grateful.
