Igloolik-based film set for theatrical tour including stop in Nunavut

The Igloolik-based film Tautuktavuk (What We See) is going on a theatrical tour across Canada.

What’s billed as the Tautuktavuk Grassroots Community Tour will kick off with a premiere at Igloolik High School on Friday at 7 p.m. and a second screening Saturday evening.

The tour is organized by Isuma Distribution International and Nunavut Independent Television Network.

The goal is to increase access to the film in Inuit and Indigenous spaces both in southern Canada and across Inuit Nunangat and other northern communities, according to a news release from Isuma TV.

Tautuktavuk (What We See) is co-directed by Lucy Tulugarjuk and Carol Kunnuk, who are scheduled to attend the Igloolik screenings, and stars Tulugarjuk, Kunnuk, Benjamin Kunuk and Madeline Ivalu.

After experiencing a traumatic night of domestic violence, Uyarak (portrayed by Tulugarjuk) leaves her community and family in Nunavut for Montreal.

When COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns close off the Canadian Arctic from the rest of the world, Uyarak is further separated from her closest confidant and eldest sister, Saqpinak (portrayed by Kunnuk).

Through a series of video calls and Uyarak’s eventual return to Nunavut, the sisters embark on a difficult journey of heartache and healing.

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, where it won the Amplify Voices BIPOC & Canadian First Feature Award. It later won the Sun Jury Award at the 2023 ImagineNATIVE Film Festival in Toronto in October.

The film had a screening in Montreal earlier this month.

A community feast is scheduled before Friday’s Igloolik screening, and elders and a mental health support worker will be present to provide emotional support.

Here’s where viewers can catch a screening of Tautuktavuk (What We See):

• Jan. 26 and 27: Igloolik High School;
• Jan. 26: Toronto, TIFF Bell Lightbox TIFF TOP 10 Screening;
• Feb. 9: Victoria, B.C., Victoria Film Festival;
• Feb. 15:  Whitehorse, Yukon, Available Light Film Festival;
• Feb. 28 to March 3: Kingston, Ont., Kingston Canadian Film Festival;
• March 1: Saskatoon, Sask., Remai Modern at Sasktel Theatre;
• March 8, 9, 10: Winnipeg, Man., Dave Barber Cinematheque;
• End of March: Film tours of Nunavik and central Nunavut.