Lights, camera, action
Film seeks to highlight local talent
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Thursday, September 8, 2016
INUVIK
A modern day myth is coming to life on screen.
Two pingos near Tuktoyaktuk will feature prominently in the upcoming short film by Jerri Thrasher and Tamara Voudrach. - photo courtesy of Tamara Voudrach
|
"It's time we get the film industry started, especially in our tiny corner of the world," said director and co-producer Jerri Thrasher. "There's so much talent and not a whole lot of opportunities. This could be really good for the communities in the region."
Thrasher and assistant director Tamara Voudrach are in the midst of putting together a short film showcasing the stories and strengths of the Inuvialuit people and region.
The project, being co-produced by Artless Collective based in Yellowknife, is part of an initiative called Arctic Film Circle, which is essentially a co-operation between several film agencies in the circumpolar world. The idea is to bring together filmmakers in Sapmi, Greenland, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories, as well as Alaska in a single project.
Organizers hope it will result in a network of Northern indigenous artists.
Nine participants across the five regions are each making a short film which will eventually be edited into a single narrative.
"It's the story of two sisters, now estranged," said Voudrach, explaining that all the films will have common elements. "One is traditional, one is very modern . it's about the younger sister coming home."
Thrasher expanded, saying part of the character's journey is about trying to reconnect with her culture.
"That's the message, it's about being able to walk in two worlds. Home does that to you," she said. "We're trying to show the differences and commonalities throughout the regions."
The project, set to film later this month in Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, has faced its share of challenges. Thrasher said the biggest hurdle has been finding people to audition for roles in the movie.
"We're on a super tight budget," she said, adding that the goal is to spend 100 per cent of that budget in the North. "We need more interest, and more people auditioning."
Beyond creating a great short film, Thrasher and Voudrach both hope it will contribute to building a new kind of economy in the region. They said the area can and should be promoted as a location for all kinds of films.
"We're trying to find that talent," said Thrasher. "I know we're a talented part of the world, and we need to give people opportunities to use it."
