maia iotzova

Women of the Arnait Video Collective reenact a traditional women's activity: the use of the qulliq. The qulliq is the seal oil lamp and stove of the old days, the only source of light and warmth. The women tell the story in words and songs as they install the qulliq in their igloo.

Susan Avingaq from Igloolik directed this video about traditional clothing styles from Igloolik.

Produced with the support of the Canada Arts Council.

Filmmaker: Marie-Hélène Cousineau

Filmmaker Contact: Visit our website www.isuma.tv/arnait or www.isuma.ca

Producer's Name: Arnait Video Productions

Year of Production: 1996

Distributor Information:

Women across Nunavut to express their needs and their opinions via a simple and easy to use mobile survey kit and web-based application. 

Arnait Video Presents: Tusaviit, Arnait Video Productions 2008, Inuktut and English.

Synopsis: In 1840, two isolated Inuit families reunite in celebration after many years of separation. These tribes have never met any white people, although rumours circulate about them. When Ninioq, an old woman, her best friend, Kuutujuuk, and her grandson, Maniq leave camp to dry fish on a remote island a strange illness attacks the camp.… Uqalimakkanirit

Danish writer Jorn Riel, author of For Morgendagen, the book that inspired the filmmakers of Before Tomorrow, is interviewed by Marie-Hélène Cousineau, co-director of the film.  He talks about his experience in Greenland and his love and respect for the old Inuit women he met as a young adventurer in the Arctic. This interview took place on his farm in Sweden, in 2005.

For the National Screen Institute presentation at the Featuring Aboriginal Stories Program "Jump Start to Film Immersion" in Toronto, Canada.

Broadcast begins at 13:30 EST on Sunday, October 18, 2009.