Angry Inuk

“Angry Inuk”

Director: Aletha Arnaquq-Baril

Producers: Alethea Arnaquq-Baril

Bonnie Thompson

85 minutes

 

There is an immediate irony in the title of this beautiful if disturbing film for it is a tradition of the Inuit (Inuk is the singular) that they do not get angry. In previous generations Inuit that disagreed with each other would meet in the presence of families and others and bang a traditional drum while insulting the individual with whom they had disagreed. The drum banging would continue and the level of insults would rise and increase until laughter replaced angry taunts and all would set differences aside. So, in their current pain expressing their sense of injustice to the World presents a difficulty for those who express themselves reasonably, calmly and with the peaceful clarity that the Inuit know.

 

This documentary follows The Inuit through their traditional lifestyle and practices over many generations. It suggests how significant misrepresentation of how and why seal hunting takes place in an economy that could never only be subsistence. It shows their journey as the Inuit seek to explain their lives and their current great difficulties to the power houses of the World both within Canada and beyond.

 

I do not propose to comment on the substance of the moral discussion here. But Alethea Arnaquq-Baril has produced a film of great significance. It is one that should be compulsory viewing for all who call themselves conservationists or support, financially, welfare organisations. See the film and make your own mind up.

 

Through younger members of the community, opponents and those who tell a different story, with a different agenda are being challenged as to their methods of support raising and their presentation of information. The methods being used by this rising generation of the Inuk community harness Facebook and Twitter to discuss the harsh economic reality of the lives within their community.

 

Through this unique and brilliant film and one that achieves a rare 100% from reviewers on the Rotten Tomatoes review site. As the documentary story telling unfolds we are taken on food hunting trips across the frozen lands in the very north of Canada. We see the use animals are put to and how they are prepared. The dignity with which these people tell their story in an environment where green vegetables cost a fortune and raw fish and seal meat are a regular part of the diet as the only fresh food available.

 

This is a film of the highest quality and was Highly Commended by the Jury in Dieppe for its cinema graphic skill and for the sensitive way it approached its subject .

 

 

https://vimeo.com/181059386

http://www.unikkaat.com/

 

 

 

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