Award-winning short film captures unique annual Inuit tradition

Award-winning short film captures unique annual Inuit tradition

“The most rewarding part for me is creating something that will be around for people to enjoy and to learn about forever.” — Jennie Williams

By Sam Laskaris
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Windspeaker.com

It turned out to be an award-winning world premiere for Jennie Williams.

The Inuk filmmaker had her work, Nalujuk Night, shown for the first time to an audience at the FIN Atlantic International Film Festival, which was held Sept. 16 to Sept. 23 in Halifax. 

Following the completion of the eight-day festival, Nalujuk Night was named the winner of the Best Atlantic Short Documentary at the event.

Nalujuk Night is about an Inuit tradition in Nain, located in Nunatsiavut, an autonomous area claimed by the Inuit in Labrador.

The tradition features a Nalujuk, a scary-looking character that is rumoured to come in from the Eastern sea ice. The plural, Nalujuit, are beings wearing animal furs and seal skin boots who look truly frightening.

Upon reaching the streets of Nain, the Nalujuit visit community homes and despite their imposing figures hand out bags of treats to children who sing for them.

The Nalujuit also meet and greet community residents who come out to the streets. Those who are believed to have been good during the past year are rewarded with handshakes and goodies.

But if a Nalujuk believes one has misbehaved, a chase ensues. And once caught, the Nalujuk utilize a large wooden stick to (gently) strike those who have been perceived to have acted badly.

Though some might view the Nalujuk night as scary, its main purpose is to bring community members together to celebrate their culture and tradition.

Williams, who is also a visual artist, has had her professional photographs of Inuit life appear in numerous magazines.

Read the article.