Tautuktavuk follows two Inuit sisters on a difficult healing journey that reminds them of the importance of community, culture, and family. This 2023 feature film from co‐directors Lucy Tulugarjuk and Carol Kunnuk blurs the line between fiction and non‐fiction.
The film’s dramatic narrative is based in true events but is not autobiographical. Through a series of vignettes of heartache and healing, it details the lived reality of its characters and creators. The directors also play the roles of the two sisters, Uyarak and Saqpinak.
After experiencing a traumatic event in Igloolik, Nunavut, Uyarak leaves her community and family and goes to Montréal. COVID‐19 lockdowns close off the Canadian Arctic, further separating Uyarak from her closest friend and eldest sister, Saqpinak.
Uyarak doesn’t remember much about one terrible night of domestic violence, but Saqpinak does. Through Zoom calls, Uyarak talks about healing from years of trauma and abuse, and how the counselling sessions she goes to and other cultural reconnections are helping her heal.
At the same time, Saqpinak is raising a family and hosting live shows about her community. What she doesn’t share with her sister long distance is that Saqpinak is also experiencing domestic abuse—a dangerous situation heightened by the COVID‐19 lockdowns.
When Uyarak is finally able to return home to Igloolik, she embarks on a deeper healing journey as she visits with family and elders, in town, and out on the land. The sisters’ brief reunion allows them to gather support from each other.
Each screening at Cinematheque will be followed by a pre‐recorded Q&A with the filmmakers.
Showings
Friday, March 8 @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 9 @ 1:00 pm
Sunday, March 10 @ 5:20 pm
To Note
Human Rights Through Film screenings are free for Museum members.
Complimentary tickets can be reserved by selecting the CMHR Member ticket option on the Cinematheque website or at the theatre’s box office. You will be asked to show your Museum membership card at entry.
Admission for non‐members is $10.
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