Interview between Chris Awa and Madeline Ivalu
Q: What is the name of the character you play in the movie?
A: Ningiuq. Although in real life, I’m also ningiuq (grandmother)!
Q: Did you learn anything while making this film?
A: Yes.
Sometimes I have to cry in the film and at those moments I would try to
become the character I was playing and all of their emotions would come
to me.
Q: Who was the most fun for you to work with?
A:
Susan Avingaq and also Marie-Hélène Cousineau. Marie-Hélène tries to
understand our traditions. I was happy to see that. We were told that
white people didn’t know anything about Inuit life, but she wanted us
to use our real traditions. When I acted before in other movies I had
to pretend a lot, but this film feels real because we show the
traditional Inuit lifestyle.
Q: What did you think of the exchange between Puvirnituq-Igloolik?
A:
I noticed the Inuit in Puvirnituq had forgotten some traditions. It was
the very first time that some had seen a qulliq (seal oil lamp)! I
think that some of the elders started remembering other traditions as
time went on. We taught them and made them remember things.
Q: Was anyone from your family acting with you?
A: My grandson. My daughter Sylvia’ s son. He acted from beginning to end.
Q: What was it like to act with him?
A: In the beginning it was hard because he was easily disturbed, but later he learned and acted better.
Q: Do you have something to say to the people who will be watching this movie?
A:
I know people will be moved while watching the movie because it looks
like real life. I thank the people who worked on this film.
