Screening of Tautuktavuk (What We See) at University of Toronto (CDTPS)
Join us for a screening of Tautuktavuk (What We See), directed by Lucy Tulugarjuk & Carol Kunnuk and produced by The Isuma Collective. This film blurs the line between the real-life and fictional events of two sisters: Saqpinak, who lives in Igloolik, and Uyarak, who lives in Montréal. While Uyarak discusses her healing from past traumatic events, Saqpinak is currently experiencing domestic violence. But COVID-19 lockdowns prevent Uyarak from travelling North to her community and her sister. After travel restrictions ease, Uyarak goes to Igloolik, and she reconnects with family, elders, and the land as she embarks on a healing journey. She and Saqpinak share stories before Uyarak must return to Montréal.
Filmed during the height of pandemic lockdowns, the film brings contemporaneous reality of increased domestic violence in Igloolik during the pandemic to the fictional story of the two sisters. It was both filmed on location and includes Zoom footage, switching narrative perspective and offering intimate moments, unique storytelling, and profound healing in Inuit culture and communities which grounds much of the action.
The Isuma Collective, based in Igloolik and Montréal, has been making work since 1990. In 2001, the Isuma-produced film Atanarjuat—the Fast Runner (which also featured Lucy Tulugarjuk) received the Caméra d’Or Award at the Cannes Film Festival. The film also includes music and an appearance by acclaimed Iunk–Mohawk singer, Beatrice Deer.
