There’s a scene of utter normality very early in the film Tautuktavuk (What We See). Two Inuk sisters, Saqpinak (Carol Kunnuk) and Uyarak (Lucy Tulugarjuk), go grocery shopping by themselves in different parts of Canada. Saqpinak is at the Co-op in Igloolik, a snow-blanketed hamlet in Nunavut close to the Melville Peninsula. Her sister is in snowy Montreal.
After returning home, they connect over Zoom to express their love for one another. They also joke in Inuktitut about the distance that Saqpinak must travel to buy her food. The sisters’ smiles are as bright as the Northern Lights.
But what’s unfolded in their lives is anything but normal to middle-class folks living in Southern Canada. Uyarak is in therapy in the big city to cope with the effects of a traumatic incident involving a priest in her home community. Meanwhile, Saqpinak keeps busy as a a broadcaster reporting on community activities.
Tautuktavuk (What We See) often comes across like a documentary as Saqpinak and Uyarak share their thoughts on a wide range of topics. They discuss everything from raising children to how police always believed the priests who denied sexually abusing their parents.
Moreover, through Saqpinak’s reporting on the tundra, viewers learn a great deal about their culture. The film shows how hunters lure seals to the shore. Other segments address the cultural significance of tattooing, ajaajaa songs, and swaying drum dancing.
According to the filmmakers, the title, Tautuktavuk, ends with a “k” to reflect that it represents two people’s point of view of the world.
Kunnuk and Tulugarjuk co-directed Tautuktavuk (What We See) in addition to starring in it. They’re no newcomers to filmmaking—and it certainly shows. Kunnuk directs and produces the TV show Welcome to My Qammag and her film credits include Attagatuluk and Being Prepared. Tulugarjuk directed Tia and Piujuq and acted in Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, among other films.
There’s palpable chemistry and plenty of warmth on-screen between the two lead characters. While their dialogue might be fictitious, there’s an incredible ring of truth about how Tautuktavuk (What We See) depicts the lives of Inuit people.
The film also benefits from spectacular cinematography, riveting throat singing, and authentic performances from the many supporting cast members. It’s a must-see for anyone curious to learn more about the effects of colonialism on the Indigenous Peoples of the North.
The VIFF Centre will screen Tautuktavuk (What We See) from March 15 to 20 and on March 22. For tickets and more information, visit the VIFF Centre website.
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