This masterful film recounts an event that took place in Baffin Island in 1961. Noah, an Inuit representing his group of fishermen, negotiates at length with a “Boss” delegated by the Canadian government (“Isumatuk” in Inuktitut, “he-who-thinks-for-us”). With incredible presence, the film follows the thread of exchanges, silences and innuendo.
The clash of cultures is muted but central, and the pitfalls of the translator’s role are embodied with great finesse. Partly auto-biographical for director emeritus Zacharias Kunuk, the film rests on the performance of highly accomplished actors and masterful cinematography by Norman Cohn.
Presented in collaboration with Ahkwayaonhkeh and VU Photo as part of the Traverser les saisons cycle.