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Deep Dive: Alcan Highway (2013)

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Alcan Highway
Alcan Highway is a documentary film directed by Aleksi Salmenperä, focusing on Hese Tolonen, a man from Helsinki, Finland, who seeks a new life on Vancouver Island. Without a permanent home, he decides to acquire a cheap vehicle to live in, leading him to an abandoned 63-year-old GMC truck in Wasilla, Alaska. The film captures the process of repairing the truck with the help of his friend Jon Ayres and mechanic Rhys Palmer, highlighting their camaraderie and the challenges they face along the way. The narrative unfolds as the trio embarks on their trip, dealing with mechanical issues and the unpredictability of the old truck. Their journey is marked by moments of tension, such as an explosion from the engine and the truck's limitations in speed. Despite these setbacks, the film emphasizes themes of freedom and friendship, as they navigate the scenic landscapes and work together to keep the truck running.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Hese Tolonen, a man without a permanent home.
  • •See the repair of a 63-year-old GMC truck.
  • •Follow the road trip to Vancouver Island.

Did You Know

•Hese Tolonen found a 63-year-old GMC truck for $700 in Wasilla, Alaska.
•The truck had not been started for 40 years before Hese purchased it.
•Hese was one of the founders of the motorcycle magazine Kopteri in 1992.
•Hese died in a motorcycle accident in 2020 after being hit by a car.

Perfect For

Road trip enthusiastsFans of vintage vehiclesDocumentary lovers