A Century After Nanook

A Century After Nanook is an ambitious documentary focused on the drastic environmental and cultural changes that have occurred over the last 100 years in the Inuit village of Inukjuak, the location where Robert Flaherty filmed Nanook of the North from 1920-1921. From the recording of interviews to filming daily life, much of this documentary was produced by members of the community – making it truly a collaborative project.

This 90-minute film dives deep into the many traumas experienced by Inukjuakmiut due to colonialism, as well as the devastating effects of Arctic warming. But the film also highlights the strength, adaptiveness, and ingenuity of the community that provides real hope for a better future.

The film was co-produced by Penn State University’s Kirk French, Neal Hutcheson (three-time Emmy winner) from North Carolina, and Sarah Samisack from Inukjuak. French is also the director of the CORVA Studio Lab where community involvement is an essential ingredient to his holistic approach to filmmaking. Recently accepted by PBS, A Century After Nanook will broadcast across the country later this year.

The event on March 1 will begin at 6:30pm with a short introduction by the film’s director, a ceremonial lighting of the qulliq (traditional oil lamp), and throat singing performed by our Inuit guests. Following the screening of the film there will be a 30-minute Q&A with the five Inuit leaders from Inukjuak that will be in attendance.