Broughton Island (Sep 13/04) - The desire to film a Narwhal hunt has Qikiqtarjuaq hunters hunters worried about how the footage will be perceived by audiences outside Nunavut.

Some of the hunters, including Leslie Nukiwuak, told Nunavut News/North they feel the French film makers "are from outside the Inuit world. They are strangers. They can easily misunderstand or misrepresent the hunt."

"What if they show it to the world? They don't even live in Canada," Nukiwuak said.

The group said they would feel more comfortable if the hunt were being filmed by an Inuit film maker.

Nattivak Hunters' and Trappers' Organization manager Seemee Nookiguak said he's heard similar concerns from other hunters.

"Nobody wants to be filmed because of the possibility of negative impacts," Nookiguak said.

Nukiwuak and his group brought their concerns to the HTO, but still feel as though they are not being heard. Nookiguak said he understands, but added everyone has the right to refuse to appear in the film.

This is the crew's second visit to the community in two years. Last year, the rules surrounding their conduct were unclear. A contract outlining this issue was signed early last week.

"We have control, but some of the people don't understand what this contract is all about," Nookiguak said.

Any footage of a hunter about to kill, or the actual killing of an animal is not allowed. The filming of a feast after the kill is also out of bounds.

Should the HTO feel the crew has not lived up to the agreement, Nookiguak said the agreement reserves its right to stop the shoot.

The finished version of the film will also be previewed by the HTO prior to its scheduled release date, Nookiguak said.

The documentary makers could not be reached prior to deadline as they were out on the land.

They are scheduled to return to Qikiqtarjuaq Sept. 13.