“Nalujuk Night” Takes Home Award for Best Atlantic Short Documentary
Inuit Art Foundation | October 06, 2021
Categories: news
“Nalujuk Night” Takes Home Award for Best Atlantic Short Documentary
Following its world premiere in Halifax, NS, this fall, Nalujuk Night (2021) was awarded Best Atlantic Short Documentary at the FIN Atlantic Film Festival. Nalujuk Night is the debut documentary film directed by Jennie Williams, which follows the Nunatsiavut tradition of the same name that happens every winter in Labrador.
In the dark of night on January 6, the Nalujuit appear on the eastern sea ice. These frightening figures with animalistic, skeletal faces are draped in furs and skins as they approach the streets of Nain. They are greeted by community members with songs and wishes of a Happy New Year. Children who were good that year are met with handshakes and treats from the Nalujuit, while those who misbehaved are chased through town by the fearsome beings.
This long-celebrated tradition is a familiar subject for Labrador Inuk artist Jennie Williams, who previously captured the thrill of the night in a 12-year photographic series of the same name.
