Kivalliq docudrama on national stage
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Arviat (Nov 08/00) - What began as a search for understanding and acceptance ended up on a national stage.
The Kivalliq docudrama, Kikkik, was nominated for two Gemini Awards.
The film was a family's attempt to come to grips with their mother's (Kikkik) infamous murder trial of the 1950s.
Arviat's Elisapee Karetak, who attended the award cermony Oct. 30 in Toronto, Ont., is one of Kikkik's three surviving children and the driving force behind the making of the film.
Karetak says she was surprised to learn Kikkik had been nominated for the awards.
"When we first made the film I thought it was going be a small production and shown only in the North," says Karetak. "To see it grow like this is quite something."
Kikkik, co-produced by Karetak, Ole Gjerstad and Baker Lake's Martin Kreelak, was nominated for the Donald Brittain award for best social/political documentary program and the Canada Award.
Silva Basmajian's Deep Inside Clint Star picked up the Brittain award. Unwanted Soldier was named winner of the Canada Award.
Although the film didn't win, the fact it nominated was important says Karetak, who notes she didn't get involved with the film to earn recognition.
"I made this movie as a vehicle for healing as it related to all the questions I had concerning my mother.
"It's not only an issue for me, but also my brother (Karlak) and sister (Anaketa)."
Karetak says for many years she was depressed and angry.
Making the film helped her realize it was time to deal with those emotions and repair family relationships.
Karetak says she owes her brother and sister a great deal of thanks.
"I owe Karlak thanks for giving us permission to do this film and Anaketa for her perseverance.
"My brother and I were both adamant in our feelings. He didn't want the story told and I was determined about doing it."
"Anaketa was stuck in between and I thank her for her love and support."
