Our Land – Episode 1 & 2

While elsewhere a destructive war is fought, life in Igloolik continues undisturbed to the rhythm of the seasons. In the 13-part television drama Nunavut, Kunuk puts the clock back to 1945. From the spring of 1945 to Christmas 1946, Kunuk zooms in on the lives of five families. Most episodes are about communicating and acquiring all kinds of skills. In addition, in some stories Kunuk allows in a subtle and non-dominant way minuscule political elements to infiltrate: a church clock that sounds, a sermon with a clear message, a conversation about the uncertainty and fear for the unknown future, a priest who comes to study Inuit life. But again, he takes most time to allow a community to blossom with respect and feeling. Every action, every event is treated intensely and with respect. For Kunuk, evoking history is the same as its revival and remembrance. Just as the old people communicate skills to the young, he wants to ensure tradition is passed on through his cinematographic miniatures. Nunavut may have been the most important
production up till then by the Igloolik Isuma production company and obviously practice for Atanarjuat, made six years later.