Arviat (Sep 29/03) - What started out as a way to pass the summer is turning into a full-blown passion for a select group of Arviat youth.

The Arviat Film Initiative (AFI) aims to empower local youth by helping them develop the skills and infrastructure needed to support video-based projects in the community.

John Main began the initiative three months ago.

Since that time, he and the 10 AFI youth members have produced some strong results.

"One of the things that motivated me into starting this group is the complete lack of Inuktitut programming on TV," says Main.

"I'd say 90 to 95 per cent of the programming being watched by our youth every day is in English.

"If all the cool shows and great movies are being watched in English, what does that tell them about their own language?"

AFI members learned the basics of production and are using those skills on a variety of projects.

The youth also raised enough funds to acquire professional stereo equipment.

Main says a number of short films are near completion, others have reached the editing stage, and more are being planned.

He says projects completed to date include a few short comedy pieces and two music videos.

"The youth are more comfortable with lighthearted material."

We'll tackle serious issues a little later.

"It's gratifying to see them come up with their own ideas and being creative."

The AFI is editing documentary pieces on Canada Day, the Inumariit Music Festival, and the Inuit in Stone carving project. Also being planned are a films discussing the issue of suicide, one on the AFI itself, and a full-length horror movie.

Each piece has been shot in Inuktitut, with English subtitling planned for some.

The films will be shown publicly upon their completion, and Main says they have the potential to reach audiences outside the community.

"We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Arviat DEA, the Department of Education and Kivalliq Partners in Development for helping make this project a reality. The youth are loving the experience.

"Working with the equipment is always cool with the kids.

"You attract a lot of attention when you're going about the community with a camera and a couple of microphones."