Paul Apak Angilirq (1954-1998)

Paul Apak Angilirq (1954-1998) was vice-president and co-founder of Isuma. Apak began his career in 1978 as a trainee in Canada's Inukshuk Project, the first project to train indigenous TV producers in remote communities. In 1981 Apak joined Inuit Broadcasting Corporation’s and in 1992 IBC honoured him with a Special Recognition Award for his career contribution. An experienced adventurer, Apak filmed The Qidlarsuaaq Expedition, retracing by dogteam a 19th century migration from Igloolik to Greenland; and Through Eskimo Country, a voyage by walrus-hide boat from Siberia to Alaska through the Bering Strait. Apak wrote the story and Inuktitut screenplay for Atanarjuat based on interviews with local elders. He passed away from cancer in December 1998 before the film was completed.