The Arts Station

Indie Film Fernie at the Vogue Theatre, 321 2nd Ave.

The Journals of Knud Rasmussen is a poetic, elliptical account of the first contact between European explorers and the Inuit. As a depiction of this encounter from the Inuit perspective, the film is not only a startling work of art but a cultural and historical event.

Beginning in the Arctic Circle in 1922, the film focuses on the aging shaman Avva (Pakak Innukshuk) and his favoured, yet rebellious daughter Apak (Leah Angutimarik). Their relationship has always been a stormy one. Apak’s life his been marked by tragedy, much like her father’s. Since the death of her beloved first husband, Apak - who, like Avva, is a shaman - has been neglecting her current mate to visit her first husband in the spirit world.

Tensions within the family and the community at large are brought to the fore by the intrusions of a group of Danish explorers. When they meet, Avva is forced to explain his traditional beliefs - the threat to these is seen in stark relief when the group finds a village full of Christian converts in the place where Avva was born. The final sequence, when Avva finally confronts the historical changes facing his community, is simply heartbreaking.

The Journals of Knud Rasmussen is both an intimate family drama and a stirring, powerful account of cultures colliding. Kunuk and Cohn’s ability to balance these different aspects of the story - along with their otherworldly and gorgeous visual approach - establish them as one of the world’s most important filmmaking duos.

Tickets at the Door. FDAC Member: $9/adult; $8/youth. Non-member: $10/adult; $9/youth.