#inuit cinema

[stellacadente]

The government wanted to lay claim to the land, mineral, and water rights in the Northwest Passage. So, they had to put Canadian citizens in communities to prove that all belonged to Canada. That's why my mother was relocated. [...]

Everything we got, it's what my parents got, you know, from animals. We live on the land - eat land food and seafood. They were very powerful. When they relocate us to Resolute, all that powerfulness was gone because they were controlled by the government.

EVER DEADLY (2022) dir. Chelsea McMullan, Tanya Tagaq

[motsimages]

I watched Slash Back yesterday and here are some things I liked about it.

For those who don't know what movie it is: it's the summer solstice in a small inuit village in Canada. A group of teenagers are going about their day in the usual boring summer way while some animals start to behave weirdly. Soon, one of them discovers why and, after they are attacked, they decide to use their inuit hunting skills to defend their village from the unwelcome intruders.

They mainly speak English but some Inuktitut is also spoken by some of the parents and the radio. All the titles and credits are both in Inuktitut and English.

Teenagers looking like teenagers and behaving like teenagers.

The Crush is the most average boy ever but it obviously doesn't matter.

Capturing the greatest hits of adolescence such as not having much to do, nowhere to do it, anywhere will do or there is a super duper great party that is just a bunch of kids your age with whom you don't necessarily speak and also, again not much to do there.

As any teenage story goes, parents are unavailable. In this case because they are partying in the local festivity.

Fighting the big monster is perfectly compatible with arguing with your friend about your crush and about whether or no she also likes him.

One of the girls doesn't want to join the hunting party because she is scared. Her friends try to encourage her a bit but she is still afraid, so they tell her it's ok and give her a mission she can do that will also help and that is actually also important, while keeping her save anyways.

Simple story, easy to follow. It has good moments of tension but it is not extremely dramatic.

[anothermillennialreviewer]

Slash/Back: Aliens Are Always Popping Up Where You Least Expect Them

Written by Luke Barnes Summary A group of Inuit teens do battle with aliens. I thought this was a really quite fresh feeling horror film, both for exploring the mythology of a group of people that most of the world isn’t familiar with, and also for depicting aliens in a way that differs quite strongly from the little green men or humanoid figures we are so used to. I really appreciated and…

[rickchung]

The Death Tour (dirs. Stephan Peterson & Sonya Ballantyne).

Exploring the treacherous Northern Manitoban wrestling scene, the sports documentary produced and featuring superstar Chris Jericho shows viewers the rural Canadian highways traversed just to get to these remote Indigenous communities to wrestle. Full of physical hardships and emotion tolls, the notorious tour has been a rite of passage since the 1970s. Its frozen surroundings serve as an apt metaphor for the wrestlers' journeys of redemption to both find and prove themselves. There's an intimacy to capturing these athletes' passion and desire to enterain fans even in the furthest depths of the country.

Screening at the Rio Theatre on Aug. 21.

[the-galaxy-system]

Logan headcannons

Demisexual biromantic

Trans man (no-op but on T) 

Mixed (Inuit mother, white father) 

Autistic

He hates his mutations sometimes

Loyal

Covered head to toe in scars

Has constant nightmares/rarely dreams

Insomnia

Wears headphones when overstimulated if possible 

Is happy in a monogamous relationship but will try a polyamorous one 

Is a switch 

Has or still works as a stripper 

Likes to be a romantic

Will buy his lover(s) flowers 

Has chronic pain 

dislikes Christmas but still gives really thoughtful gifts 

Smokes weed (originally to help him get to sleep but he found it helps with the pain) 

Knows how to knit and sew but prefers crochet (never admits it) 

Has tattoos and piercings 

Hates pain 

Has a fear of needles (due to the aslym incident) 

Is a good cook but a great backer

Has a soft spot for animals

Knows many languages fluently

Can play an instrument

Climbs on the counter or fridge to reach anything up high

Purrs

Will sometimes just go non verbal 

Watches cooking shows and quiz shows

Has an outdated nokia with snake on it 

Requires subtitles when watching anything

Gets airsick

Waits for the movie to be available on TV as the cinema is way too loud for him

Owns the first ever sold copy of the hobbit

Is the designated babysitter of the mansion

Teaches history and PE 

Has a lumberjack/construction worker job

[ranilla-bean]

HELLOO HIII hi for the love of god hellooo 👀 👀 👀

So a little birdie told meee that spacedilves has an official seal. Would u mind sharing more with the class about how you came up with that?? 😏😏 Also since you asked an art question I’ll ask you one writing question back. i told u many times and I’ll tell you again that the universe u crafted is so stunning and original, every detail so well thought out and integrated in the story the populace is NOT READYYY for your galaxy to hit the cinemas!!! So what is the tidbit of Wordlbuilding Lore you’re the most proud of, and the inspiration behind it?? 

HELLOOOOOO ASH BELOVED 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 hope ur enjoying ama dayyyy hehehe

a little birdie ?? which magpie broke free— 🤨

anyway this is the seal 🫡 i looked up a bunch of seal script fonts and ended up on this one/had to reconstruct some parts. it says "spacedilves" in chinese, which i've translated as 太空幹爹. 太空 = "space". 幹爹 is an elaborate pun but 乾爹 means “stepdad/daddy (sexual)” in chinese & i've used the homophonic 幹 (fuck) instead of 乾 🤭 so like. THEY FUCKIN

in terms of Worldbuilding Lore i think one of the really fun elements has been sokka's atiqchip? basicallyyyyy (for those who r not ash) it's a memory chip installed into the minds of every southern water tribesperson, containing the memories of every single person from the past who shared their name. it's inspired by the concept of atiq in inuit culture, where namesakes are seen as the person themselves. also kinda inspired by indigenous oral traditions & how memory carries over history and culture

it's something the three of us (ash, reikah & me) developed together and it's come together in such interesting ways in the fic itself bc this concept has to now interact with the fire nation's war & also the characters themselves. sokka's got an intact chip, but he feels burdened by the legacy of sokkas past. katara's the last waterbender, but her own chip is damaged and she can't access all of that past knowledge. kya inherits her grandmother's chip. what are the implications???

ask me & ash questions about spacedilves!

[kaccvcate]

Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001) is based on Inuit oral history, and is the first movie filmed in Inuktitut. A period piece set roughly 1000-2000 years ago, everything about this movie is phenomenal - the costumes, props, sets, acting, music, cinematography - even the sex scenes are hot. You can tell the care and passion that went into every detail of the production, from start to finish.

The best thing about this movie is how un-American it feels (or maybe I should say un-Canadian.) There's no hesitation to break the colonialist, puritanical taboos that Hollywood industry control has normalized throughout mainstream cinema. We get plenty of animal violence, we see women processing carcasses to be eaten, there's full frontal male nudity, even tits. There's no catering to a colonial audience whatsoever. I wish there were a thousand movies like this.

[neechees]

"We are at a crossroads regarding what constitutes acceptable practice for filmmaking in and with Inuit communities. For too long, film production and exhibition apparatuses have been able to tell and circulate Inuit stories without sufficient guidance and inclusion from Inuit communities. The process of meaningful engagement is neither complex nor restrictive. On the contrary, media produced by way of meaningful engagement will be richer and more vibrant than the alternative. This is not to advocate for Inuit films solely produced by and for Inuit and excluding non-Inuit. There is a place for non-Inuit in Inuit film productions. However there is an intrinsic and inherent responsibility related to telling stories that are not that of the story-teller. It is imperative that the film production and exhibition apparatuses that operate within Canada understand that different cultures share, view, and interpret stories differently. These stories and these systems are not incompatible, but they require a better understanding of the cultures from where these stories come. Sometimes this understanding includes acknowledging and working through ignorance, along with the will to include and adapt to different practices."

-Turner, Mark David. "On Inuit Cinema| Inuit TakugatsaliuKatiget." Memorial University Press, 2022.

[johannestevans]

New media recs, new works, a new podcast!

Good evening!

A return to work after my time off for my birthday - I had a really good time resting over the birthday week, and I've been brewing a few new things in the meantime!

First and foremost, if you've been hoping for some of my fiction to be available in an audio format, you're in luck. The Story is a simple, no-frills podcast where it's just me reading short stories aloud - for the time being, I'll be doing a bunch of romance, fantasy, and horror pieces from my back catalogue, but later on I hope to make some of my erotica pieces available too!

I've set up a podcast that for now is available on Spotify and YouTube, but over the next few weeks will hopefully become available on other podcast platforms such as Google and Apple Podcasts. The first episode is already released and is an audio reading of Two Plates, with the plan from here to release weekly episodes on Thursday mornings.

Alongside Ashleigh Wilder, I was a guest on Trauma Talks with Jeremy Sachs and Katherine Cox a little while ago, and our episode, which is about our experiences of trauma alongside autism, is coming out on June 14th. I'll of course share the link next week when it's been released, but in the meantime, I absolutely recommend going back through some of their other episodes and giving them a listen, it's a really valuable podcast and so well-done.

If you're in or around California, my friend Rene Gannon-O'Gara's 2023 feature, Donut, is going to be screened at the Sherman Oaks Film Festival later this month, and I totally recommend it! I'll post my own review a little closer to the release, but in the meantime, general admission tickets are $15, and of course there are a bunch of other great flicks also being screened for the festival.

Some other media recs for this week:

The Boogeyman (2023, dir. Rob Savage) - This latest from Rob Savage was a real trip, and a friend and I had a great time seeing it in the cinema together - Rob Savage also did Host (2020), which I really enjoyed, but this piece was just impeccably constructed, so rich with layered meaning, such a cohesive concept and so well-executed. I want to rewatch this film in a little while and make some notes so that I can write about it at-length, but suffice it to say I absolutely recommend seeing it in a cinema if you can and it's safe for you - just some fucking A+ monster design, some great acting from Yellowjackets' Sophie Thatcher, a really excellent script.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968, dir. Stanley Kubrick) - Lewis and I watched this last week and I fell asleep an hour in, and just finished it this week - it's a good flick, and this is another one I might write a bit more about later in the week, as I had a lot of feelings about the presentation of HAL and reading him as a gay man! I am personally not in the camp that this is one of the all-time greats, as I honestly only cared about the centre section of the film, not the beginning or the end, but it's still good even with those parts included.

The Terror by Dan Simmons, 2007 - I believe I've recommended AMC's The Terror (2018) before, which is a limited series I've got a lot of affection for, but this is my first time reading the book the series was based on, and I'm really enjoying it! Based on the once-lost expeditions of HMS Terror and HMS Erebus, two British explorer vessels which sought to find the Northwest Passage, written in a period style, this is a story effectively about a British colonial party who are punished by nature around them for their hubris and entitlement in desiring to be "explorers" - I would warn upfront that there's a lot of racism in this largely because it's written from the perspective of these 1800s white dudes in the past interacting with different Native Americans and other indigenous peoples, and in the course of the story engaging with different Inuit people. While the TV series is still good and I do plan to rewatch it after finishing this, the book is obviously much more rich, and it actually has more gay dudes than were included in the TV adaptation, as some of them were cut for time.

New Works Published

Narration: Two Plates

3k, rated M. Originally published Nov 20, 2022. A crotchety bookshop owner receives regular visits from the sex shop-owner across the way. Age gap, kissing, lots of banter and sharp back and forth. Note some mentions of past sexual abuse.

Listen on YouTube / / Listen on Spotify / / Read on Medium. / / Read on Patreon. 

Magazine Publication: Sheathed

This was originally published back in January, but has been republished this month by Bare Back Magazine!

A young man uses his coach’s mouth.

1.2k, cis M/M, rated E. Featuring blowjobs with throat-fucking, size difference, gagging, mild objectification, rough sex, coming in pants, and age difference.

Read from Bare Back Magazine / / On Medium / / On Patreon.

Blog Post: Advice for pre-transition trans men hooking up?

Anonymous asked:

possibly weird question but would you have any advice for trans men who are pre-any kind of medical transition who are looking to try dating apps and such?? I'm wanting to start living my best slut life but it's also a little intimidating when I don't always pass. Apologies because I do know this is probably a kind of broad question 😅 but thank you!

On Tumblr

Short Story: Two of A Kind

A boy washes up on shore and meets a pirate swordmaster. 

1.2k, rated M. Warnings for implied sexual abuse and reference to past sexual assault throughout, with a focus on survivors' solidarity. 

On Medium / / On Patreon

Short Story: The Secretary

A young woman goes to collect her inheritance.

4.1k, rated M. Content warnings for loss of a loved one and non-graphic references to sexual assault.

On Medium in The New North / / On Patreon

Short Story: The Butler

The captain's steward used to be a butler. About 1.3k, rated T.

On Medium in Prism & Pen / / On Patreon

[tilbageidanmark]

Movies I watched this week (#169):

3 by forgotten [re-discovered?] Turkish director, Metin Erksan:

🍿  Dry Summer, a mesmerizing 1964 Turkish masterpiece I never heard of before. It tells of a greedy peasant who refuses to share the water on his field with his neighbors, as well as his scheme to steal his younger brother's new bride. (Photo Above). A rustic tragedy featuring one of the most insidious screen villains ever. Highly recommended. 9/10.

It was championed and restored by Martin Scorsese's 'World Cinema Project'. (I'm going to start chewing through their list of preserved classics from around the world.)

🍿 Time to love (1965) is a fetishistic, probably-symbolic, melodrama about a poor house painter who falls in love with a wall portrait of a woman, but who can't or won't love the real person. Lots of brooding while heavy rains keep pouring down, and traditional oud music drones on. Strikingly beautiful black and white cinematography elevates this strange soap opera into something that Antonioni could have shot.

🍿 "May Allah's mercy be upon her! May Allah's mercy be upon her! May Allah's mercy be upon her!"

In 1974 Erksan directed the cheesy Seytan ("Satan"), a plagiarized, unauthorized Turkish rip-off of 'The Exorcist'. It was a schlocky, nearly a shot-by-shot copy, and included the blood spurting, head spinning, cursing, stairs, a young actress that looked strikingly like Linda Blair, and even extensive use of Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells'. But it eliminated the Catholic element and had none of the superb decisions of the William Friedkin's version. 1/10.

🍿  

Agnès Varda's deceivingly blissful drama, Le Bonheur. Exquisite, subversive and beautifully simple, about an uncomplicated man who's completely happy with his idyllic life, his loving wife and two little children. But one summer day he takes on an attractive mistress, while still feeling uncommonly fulfilled and undisturbed. Varda lets the Mozart woodwind score do all the heavy interpretive lifting of this disturbing feminist take of the bourgeoisie. Just WOW! 8/10.

At this point, I should just complete my explorations of Varda's oeuvre, and see the rest of her movies. Also, I'm going to take a deep dive one day into the many terrific movies from 1965 (besides the many I've already seen, 'Red Beard', 'Simon of the desert', 'Repulsion', 'The spy who came in from the cold', 'Juliet of the spirit', 'Pierrot the fool'...).

/ Female Director

🍿

2 by amazing Bulgarian director Milko Lazarov:

🍿 Ága, my first Bulgarian film, but it plays somewhere in Yakutsk, south of the Russian arctic circle. An isolated old Inuit couple lives alone in a yurt on the tundra. Slow and spiritual, their lives unfold in the most unobtrusive way, it feels like a documentary. But the simplicity is deceiving, this is film-making of the highest grade, and once Mahler 5th was introduced on a small transistor radio, it's transcendental. The emptiness touched me deeply.

Together with 93 other movies, this was submitted by Bulgaria to the 2019 Oscars (the one won by 'Parasite'). How little we know; If selected, we might have all be talking about it. Absolutely phenomenal! The trailer represents the movie well. 10/10

(It also reminded me very much of the Bolivian drama 'Utama' from 2022, another moving story of an elderly Indian couple living alone in the desert, tending to their small flock of llamas.)

🍿 Milko Lazarov made only one earlier film, the minimalist Alienation in 2013. It tells of Yorgos, a middle age Greek man, (impassively played by the father from 'Dogtooth'), who crosses the border to Bulgaria to buy a newborn baby. But it's not as bad as it sounds, because he's actually helping the impoverished surrogate mother (who looks like young Tilda Swinton) who can't effort to keep him. Another stark and snail-like drama about quiet people who barely speak, told with the masterful language of a true poet. Like 'Ága', it too opens with a stunning close up of a lengthy incantation in an unfamiliar language. I wish he made more movies. 8/10.

🍿  

2 more arctic dramas:

🍿 The original movie about indigenous Inuks, Nanook of the North, from 1922, was the first feature-length documentary to achieve commercial success. An engaging slice of life of an Inuit family, even if some of the scenes were staged. 💯 score on Rotten Tomatoes.

🍿 "Many of the scientists involved with climate change agree: The end of human life on this planet is assured."

Another fascinating Werner Herzog documentary, Encounters at the end of the world. About the "professional dreamers" who live and work at McMurdo Station in Antarctica; divers who venture to explore life under the the ice, volcanologists who burrow into ice caves, etc. Herzog's 'secret sauce' is finding the most outrageous, interesting spots on earth, and then just going there and letting his camera do his bidding.

🍿

2 fantastic shorts by Hungarian animator Réka Bucsi:

🍿 Her 2014 Symphony No. 42 consists of 47 short & whimsical vignettes, without any rhyme or rhythm; A farmer fills a cow with milk until it overflows, a zoo elephant draws a "Help me" sign, a UFO sucks all the fish from the ocean, wolves party hard to 'La Bamba', an angry man throws a pie at a penguin, two cowboys holding blue balloons watch a tumbleweed rolls by, a big naked woman cuddle with a seal, etc. Earlier than Don Hertzfeldt's 'World of tomorrow' and my favorite Rúnar Rúnarsson's 'Echo', it's a perfect piece of surrealist chaos. 10/10

My happiest, unexpected surprise of the week!

/ Female Director

🍿 Love (2016), a lovely meditation on nature, poetry and cats in the cosmos. 8/10.

/ Female Director

🍿

Françoise Dorléac X 2:

🍿 Her name was Françoise ("Elle s’appelait Françoise") is a fluff bio-piece about the utterly gorgeous model-actress, who died at a fiery car-crush at 25, and who left a legacy of only a few important films. It includes previously-unseen, enchanting clips and photos from her short life. But then is cuts into her and sister Catherine Deneuve practicing their "Pair of Twins" song-and-dance from 'The Young Girls of Rochefort', the most charming musical in the world, and life is sunny again.

/ Female Director

🍿 That man from Rio, her breakthrough film, was a stupid James Bond spoof, inspired by 'The adventures of Tintin'. Unfortunately, it focused on protagonist Jean-Paul Belmondo, and used Dorléac only as eye-candy. It's the first film I've seen from Brasília, just a few years after it was constructed. 2/10.

🍿

Paintings and Film X 3:

🍿 'Painting Nerds' is a YouTube channel by 2 Scottish artists, putting up intelligent video essays about the art of painting. Paintings In Movies: From '2001: A Space Odyssey' to 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' is an insightful meditation which explores the relationship between the two art forms. Among the many examples it touches on are the canvases in Hitchcock's 'Rebecca' and 'Vertigo', 'The French Dispatch', 'Laura' and 'I'm thinking of ending things'. They even made a Wellesian trailer for that essay, When Citizen Kane met Bambi : The Lost Paintings of Tyrus Wong!

🍿 So I decided to see some of the movies mentioned above, f. ex. Hitchcock's The Trouble with Harry from 1955. Famous for being Shirley MacLaine's film debut, his first collaboration with Bernard Herrmann, and this being his only "real" comedy. However, the only engaging element among the idiotic machinations on screen were the stunning VistaVision landscapes, painted in true Vermont autumn colors.

🍿 All the Vermeers in New York is my [5th film about Vermeer, and] my first film by prolific indie director Jon Jost. The Scottish essay above interpretated it as a "Charming mirroring of art and life, but also a deeply sad film... The gallery scene shows the transmission of feeling from painting to person, and ultimately, the vast amount of space between them. It plays out the entire drama of the film in microcosm.." But that Met Gallery scene was the only outstanding one in an otherwise disjointed experiment about the NYC art world. The abrasive stockbroker who falls for a French actress at the museum and mistakes her for a woman from the painting was mediocre and irritating. 3/10.

🍿

First watch: Jim Jarmusch's Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, an homage to Melville's Le Samouraï. An RZA mood piece about a ritualistically-chill black assassin / Zen Sensei, who communicates only with carrier pigeons, and who drives alone at night in desolate streets on mafia missions. 'Live by the Code, die by the Code'.

🍿

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Scorsese's only melodrama with a female protagonist (? - haven't seen 'Boxcar Bertha' yet). It opens in a tinted Wizard of Oz scenery, and tells of an ordinary single mom who dreams of becoming a singer. Hardly a feminist story, as she navigates between one unloving husband, an abusive lover and eventually bearded Kris Kristofferson, who ends up beating her son and promises not to do it again. 3/10.

[I finally watched it because of this clip of 15-year-old Jody Foster singing Je t'attends depuis la nuit de temps on French television].

🍿

The new well-made HBO documentary The Truth vs Alex Jones. About the collective mental sickness that is Amerika. It's hard to imagine how insane are the crazies over there. 💯 score on Rotten Tomatoes.

🍿

3 more shorts:

🍿 The Most Beautiful Shots In Movie History, a little mash-up clippy from The "Solomon Society" with an evocative Perfect day cover.

🍿 Joana, a beautiful tribute of a Spanish father to his little daughter. Reminds me of better times and another daughter.

🍿 From hand to mouse, a mediocre 1944 'Looney Tune' short from Chuck Jones, with the same dynamics that the Coyote & Road Runner did much better.

🍿

Ramy Youssef X 3:

🍿 I discovered first-generation Egyptian-American stand-up comedian Ramy Youssef. In his funny 2019 special, Feelings, he comes across as a sweet dude, a sensitive, observant Muslim, on a complicated spiritual quest in New Jersey. Recommended!

🍿 Ramy was his A24 TV-series that expanded on the themes. It had more of a sitcom vibes, reminiscent of 'Master of None', another one that dealt with an unexplored ethnicity, previously marginalized. I only watched the first season, and liked how unapologetic he was in having large part of the dialogue in other languages, Arabic, French, Etc. Episode 7, "Ne Me Quitte Pas", starring his screen-mom Hiam Abbass was a terrific stand-out.

🍿 “Where were you when the floods happened in Pakistan?”

More feelings, his brand new stand up which just dropped is dark and gentle. It opens with some dark truths from his friend Steve who wants to die, and moves right into the situation in Palestine.

(Later: He hosted Saturday Night Live this weekend.)

🍿  

(My complete movie list is here)

[stellacadente]

EVER DEADLY (2022) dir. Chelsea McMullan, Tanya Tagaq

[hividsmarttv]

Title: 10 Remarkable Films to Celebrate Indigenous People's Day

Introduction: Indigenous People's Day is a time to honor and recognize the rich history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous communities around the world. As we reflect on their resilience and celebrate their unique traditions, what better way to engage with their stories than through the power of cinema? This list of 10 remarkable films sheds light on the diverse experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Indigenous people, offering a window into their lives and fostering understanding and appreciation.

1. Smoke Signals (1998): Explore the complexities of identity and family dynamics in "Smoke Signals." This film follows two young Native American men on a road trip as they confront their pasts and come to terms with their relationships with their fathers. A poignant and humorous exploration of heritage and reconciliation.

2. Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001): Immerse yourself in Inuit mythology and culture with "Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner." Set in the Arctic, this visually stunning film tells the epic tale of a community torn apart by jealousy and betrayal, ultimately demonstrating the strength of tradition and the human spirit.

3. Windtalkers (2002): Step into the harrowing world of World War II with "Windtalkers." This film sheds light on the critical role Navajo code talkers played in the conflict, using their native language to create an unbreakable code that helped secure victory for the Allies.

4. The Fast Runner (2002): Delve into the lives of the Sami people in "The Fast Runner." Set against the backdrop of the Nordic tundra, this film weaves a captivating narrative about love, betrayal, and survival within an Indigenous community.

5. Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002): Embark on a heart-wrenching journey with "Rabbit-Proof Fence." Based on a true story, the film follows three Aboriginal girls as they escape a government settlement and embark on an incredible trek across the Australian outback, showcasing the strength and resilience of Indigenous people.

6. Ten Canoes (2006): Travel back in time with "Ten Canoes," an Australian film that offers a glimpse into the lives, customs, and traditions of the Yolngu people. The film intertwines two parallel stories, one set in the present and the other in the distant past, providing a unique perspective on Indigenous culture.

7. Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013): Uncover a hidden chapter of Canadian history in "Rhymes for Young Ghouls." Set in the 1970s, this film follows a young Indigenous girl as she navigates the impact of the Canadian residential school system while seeking to maintain her cultural identity and freedom.

8. Sweet Country (2017): Journey to the Australian Outback with "Sweet Country," a powerful drama that explores themes of justice, racism, and survival. The film centers around an Indigenous man accused of murder and his struggle for fairness within a prejudiced legal system.

9. The Grizzlies (2018): Experience the transformative power of sports and mentorship in "The Grizzlies." Based on a true story, this film follows a young teacher who introduces lacrosse to a remote Inuit community, inspiring hope and positive change among its residents.

10. Te Ata (2016): Celebrate the life and legacy of Mary Thompson Fisher, a Chickasaw storyteller, in "Te Ata." This biographical film follows her journey as she uses her talent for storytelling to bridge cultural gaps and share the rich traditions of her people.

Conclusion: Indigenous People's Day is an opportunity to honor the wisdom, resilience, and cultural richness of Indigenous communities. Through these 10 remarkable films, you can gain insight into the diverse experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Indigenous people from around the world. As you immerse yourself in these stories, take a moment to reflect on the importance of preserving and celebrating Indigenous heritage and contributions.

[talkingfilmsnet]

From Mountaintops to Screens: 10 Must-See Films at Sundance 2024

The Sundance flame has flickered and cast its warm glow on another year of independent cinema. While the snow may have begun to melt in Park City, the memories of these cinematic gems won't be so easily washed away. From intimate dramas to genre-bending odysseys, these 10 films are sundance must see set to ignite screens throughout the year, and here's why you shouldn't miss them:

1. "Daughter of the Wolf Queen": Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Arctic in this historical epic about a young Inuit woman destined for leadership. Think "Frozen" meets "Braveheart," but with epic battle sequences and stunning visuals that will transport you to another world. Don't miss the chance to celebrate indigenous stories and powerful female protagonists on the big screen.

2. "The Last Black Panther": This action-packed thriller blends sci-fi with social commentary, as a young woman inherits a revolutionary legacy and protects her community from exploitation. Expect stunning visuals, powerful performances, and a timely message about environmental justice and cultural heritage. It's like "Black Panther" meets "Avatar," with a healthy dose of political intrigue.

3. "The Deepest Cut": Brace yourself for an emotional tour de force with this drama about a family confronting the aftermath of a school shooting. Expect powerhouse performances, nuanced exploration of grief and trauma, and a story that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the sting of loss. This isn't just a film; it's a necessary conversation starter about gun violence and its lasting impact.

4. "Cosmic Country": Buckle up for a genre-bending odyssey where dusty plains meet intergalactic intrigue. A cowboy seeking redemption stumbles upon a crashed alien spaceship, sparking a wild adventure that's equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking. Think "Men in Black" meets "Brokeback Mountain," with a dash of banjo-twanging space opera. Be prepared for laugh-out-loud moments and stunning visuals that will leave you begging for more.

5. "The Shape of Things to Come": Enter a world where stop-motion animation transcends mere puppets. Two objects in a museum embark on a fantastical journey through time and space, questioning their existence and challenging our perception of reality. Prepare for breathtaking visuals, philosophical musings, and a film that will stay with you like a haunting dream. It's a masterpiece of animation that will redefine the limits of the medium.

6. "The Unseen World": Experience the world through the eyes of a teenage girl with synesthesia, where emotions explode in colors and sounds. This visually stunning and innovative film offers a fresh perspective on adolescence, identity, and the joy of sensory perception. It's a symphony for the senses and a celebration of neurodiversity that will leave you seeing the world in a whole new light.

7. "The Ballad of Big Al": Laughter is the best medicine, and this documentary serves up a hefty dose. Meet a larger-than-life Alaskan fisherman who becomes an internet sensation. Get ready for hilarious anecdotes, unexpected wisdom, and a portrait of the American dream as told by a man with a beard that rivals Gandalf's. It's a heartwarming reminder that life is full of unexpected adventures, even if they happen on a fishing boat in the middle of nowhere.

8. "Past Lives": Two childhood sweethearts separated by continents and time reunite in this poignant love story. Prepare for a film that transcends borders and languages, exploring the interconnectedness of souls and the enduring power of first love. Tissues may be required, but the emotional payoff is worth it. It's a reminder that love truly knows no bounds, even when separated by years and miles.

9. "The Unfinished": This documentary delves into the fascinating world of unfinished creative projects, celebrating the beauty of the incomplete. Through heartfelt interviews and insightful exploration, "The Unfinished" reminds us that the journey of creation is often more valuable than the finished product. It's a permission slip to embrace the messy, imperfect process of bringing ideas to life, and a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful stories are never fully written.

10. "Echoes of the Unseen": Jonathan Glazer returns with a haunting exploration of the Holocaust, not through explicit depictions, but through the chilling normalcy of the Höss family villa, mere steps from Auschwitz. Expect a masterclass in building tension and a film that will linger long after the credits roll. It's a powerful reminder of the horrors of history and the importance of remembering, even when faced with unspeakable darkness.

top sundance films are just ten of the countless cinematic gems that emerged from the snowy peaks of Sundance this year.

[trovelle-com]

Fascinating Facts About Sunglasses

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory; they're a daily essential for many, seamlessly blending style with functionality. But how much do we really know about these chic shades that grace our faces? In this journey through the hidden wonders of sunglasses, we're about to uncover some of the most fascinating facts that go beyond their glamorous exterior.

The Historical Evolution of Sunglasses

Long before sunglasses became a staple in fashion wardrobes, they had a story that started in the sands of time. The journey of sunglasses is as colorful as the myriad of designs we see today. In ancient times, Inuit people used flattened walrus ivory with narrow slits to protect their eyes from the harsh glare of the sun, a far cry from today's sleek designs.

As we fast-forward to the 12th century, China witnessed the creation of the first sunglasses that served a purpose beyond eye protection: judges wore smoky quartz lenses to conceal their expressions in court. This blend of functionality and discretion marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of sunglasses.

The 18th century saw a significant advancement with James Ayscough's belief that blue- or green-tinted glass could correct specific vision impairments. This was the genesis of the idea that sunglasses could be more than just protective gear; they could be a tool for visual enhancement.

It wasn't until the 20th century that sunglasses as we know them began to take shape. With the advent of cinema, they transitioned from a practical accessory to a fashion statement, synonymous with glamour and mystique. Celebrities donned these shades, catapulting them into the realm of high fashion and desirability.

From primitive eye protection to fashion icons, sunglasses have traversed a remarkable path. Their history is a tapestry woven with innovation, practicality, and style, a testament to their enduring appeal.

More Than a Fashion Statement

Sunglasses, often perceived as the quintessence of style, serve a more profound purpose than merely complementing our fashion ensembles. Beyond their aesthetic appeal lies a realm where functionality meets health preservation, making them an indispensable accessory.

Protecting the Windows to the Soul: Our eyes, delicate and exposed, are shielded by sunglasses from the relentless assault of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Chronic exposure to UV light can lead to serious eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Quality sunglasses offer a defense mechanism, filtering out harmful rays and safeguarding our vision. This protective feature is not just for sunny days; UV rays can penetrate clouds, making sunglasses a year-round ally.

Beyond UV Protection: Safety and Comfort: For those who embrace the great outdoors, whether it's for sports or leisure, sunglasses are a shield against environmental elements. They protect our eyes from wind, dust, and debris, enhancing comfort and safety during outdoor activities. For drivers, polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, improving visual clarity and reducing strain. This aspect of sunglasses is pivotal in preventing accidents and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in various settings.

Aiding Visual Health: Contrary to the belief that sunglasses are only for bright, sunny days, certain lens types can enhance vision in various lighting conditions. For instance, yellow-tinted lenses can improve contrast on overcast days, while gradient lenses, darker at the top and lighter at the bottom, are ideal for driving as they shield from overhead sunlight without obscuring the dashboard.

Sunglasses, in their unassuming elegance, are vital for eye health and comfort. They merge the realms of fashion and health, proving that style can indeed be protective and beneficial.

The Science Behind the Shades

While sunglasses are a fashion staple, there's a fascinating science that makes them more than just a stylish accessory. Understanding how they work can deepen our appreciation for these everyday marvels.

The Magic of Lens Technology: At the heart of sunglasses lies their lenses. These aren't just tinted pieces of glass or plastic; they are engineered to selectively filter light. UV-blocking lenses are designed to prevent harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching your eyes, crucial for long-term ocular health.

But it's not just about blocking harmful rays; the color and darkness of lenses play a role too. Different tints can enhance certain visual aspects – for instance, brown or amber lenses are known to increase contrast and depth perception, making them excellent for activities like hiking or skiing.

Polarization: A Game-Changer: One of the most significant advancements in sunglass technology is polarization. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected light, reducing glare. This is particularly beneficial when driving, as it cuts down the glare from the road and other vehicles, leading to safer and more comfortable driving conditions.

This technology isn't just for drivers. Fishermen and water sports enthusiasts find polarized sunglasses invaluable for reducing the glare off the water's surface, allowing for better visibility into the water.

Impact on Perception and Comfort: Apart from functional benefits, sunglasses affect how we perceive the world. They can reduce overall brightness and protect against harsh light conditions, which helps in reducing eye strain and fatigue. For people sensitive to light or those with certain eye conditions, this can make outdoor experiences far more enjoyable and comfortable.

In this light, sunglasses are more than just fashion statements; they're sophisticated tools that enhance our vision and protect our eyes, combining scientific ingenuity with everyday practicality.

Hidden Features and Unusual Uses

While most of us recognize sunglasses as fashion accessories or vision protectors, there are hidden features and unexpected uses that often go unnoticed, yet they play a significant role in various aspects of daily life.

Beyond the Visible: Blue Light Filtration: In the digital age, our eyes are constantly exposed to blue light from screens. Some sunglasses are now designed with lenses that filter out blue light, providing relief and protection for those who spend substantial time in front of digital devices. This feature is particularly beneficial in reducing digital eye strain and improving sleep quality, as blue light exposure can disrupt natural sleep patterns.

Gradient Lenses - The Unsung Heroes: Gradient lenses, darker at the top and gradually lighter towards the bottom, are not just a style choice. They provide a perfect balance of protection and visibility. For drivers and pilots, these lenses offer a clear view of the dashboard or control panel while shielding the eyes from overhead sunlight, an excellent example of functional design meeting practical needs.

Sunglasses in Professional Arenas: Sunglasses find their use in various professional fields, often in ways we might not expect. For instance, in law enforcement and military operations, tactical sunglasses are used not only for UV protection but also for protecting the eyes from potential hazards like debris or shrapnel. In sports, specific lens tints are used to enhance visual clarity and contrast, aiding athletes in performing at their best under varying lighting conditions.

A Tool for Recovery and Sensitivity: Post eye-surgery patients often rely on sunglasses to shield their sensitive eyes from light. Similarly, individuals with medical conditions like photophobia (light sensitivity) find refuge behind the tinted lenses, making it possible to endure environments that would otherwise be overwhelmingly bright.

These lesser-known aspects of sunglasses underscore their versatility. They are not only about making a fashion statement but also about enhancing comfort, protecting vision, and serving specific needs across different walks of life.

Trendsetting and Iconic Moments in Fashion

Sunglasses have not just been companions to our eyes; they have been trendsetters and icons in the world of fashion. Their evolution through the years has seen them transform into symbols of style, rebellion, and class.

The Birth of Cool: Sunglasses as Fashion Icons: The 20th century witnessed sunglasses becoming a fashion phenomenon, thanks in part to Hollywood. Legends like Audrey Hepburn and James Dean turned sunglasses into a symbol of glamour and rebellion. Hepburn's oversized shades in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and Dean's classic aviators created iconic moments, etching sunglasses into the annals of fashion history.

Designer Sunglasses: A Luxury Statement: The emergence of designer sunglasses brought a new dimension to fashion. Brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, and Prada not only offered eye protection but also a taste of luxury. Owning a pair of designer sunglasses became a status symbol, a statement of one’s personal style and affluence.

Sunglasses on the Runway: From Paris to Milan, sunglasses have graced the runways, showcasing the creative genius of designers. They've been paired with haute couture and ready-to-wear, proving their versatility as a fashion accessory. Innovative designs, shapes, and tints have continually pushed the boundaries, making sunglasses a favorite among fashion designers to express creativity.

The Influence of Pop Culture: Pop culture has had a significant hand in popularizing certain styles of sunglasses. Celebrities and music icons frequently set trends, their choice of eyewear often becoming a must-have accessory for the season. From the oversized frames of the 60s to the sporty wraparounds of the 90s, each era’s defining sunglasses style reflects the prevailing cultural zeitgeist.

In this fashion journey, sunglasses have transcended their practical use. They are not just accessories but artifacts of fashion history, continuously shaping and being shaped by the ever-evolving fashion landscape.

In exploring these lesser-known facts about sunglasses, it's evident that they are more than just a means to shield our eyes from the sun. From their rich history to their multifaceted roles in protection, health, and fashion, sunglasses are a testament to human ingenuity and style. Whether it's the science behind the lenses, the hidden features, or their iconic status in fashion, sunglasses continue to fascinate and serve us in myriad ways.

As we don our favorite pair of shades, let's appreciate the blend of fashion and function that these stylish accessories embody, a perfect example of how something so simple can be so wonderfully complex.

#fashionforward #trovelle #fashion #eyewear #shopping

[gazelleculturelle]

La première québécoise de ᑕᐅᑐᒃᑕᕗᒃ Tautuktavuk (Sous nos yeux) un film primé de Lucy Tulugarjuk et Carol Kunnuk – le lundi 11 décembre 2023 à 19h

Isuma Productions, Isuma Distribution International et Kingulliit Productions,en collaboration avec Cinema Politica, ont le plaisir d’annoncer que le long métrage dramatique primé TAUTUKTAVUK (SOUS NOS YEUX), coréalisé par Lucy Tulugarjuk (Tia and Piujuq, One Day in the Life of Noah Piugattuk, Atanarjuat : The Fast Runner) et Carol Kunnuk (Welcome to my Qammaq, Being Prepared, Attagatuluk), sera présenté en première québécoise comme film de clôture de la saison d’automne de Cinema Politica Concordia le lundi 11 décembre 2023 à 19h à l’Université Concordia (salle H-110).

La première québécoise sera suivie d’une séance de questions et réponses et d’une conversation avec Lucy Tulugarjuk et la documentariste Alanis Obomsawin (Incident at Restigouche, Kanehsatake : 270 Years of Resistance, Our People Will Be Healed). La table ronde sera animée par l’artiste multidisciplinaire, cinéaste et conservateur d’art Asinnajaq (Upinnaqusittik, Three Thousand). Tous les détails sont disponibles ici.

TAUTUKTAVUK (SOUS NOS YEUX) a été présenté en première mondiale au Festival international du film de Toronto (TIFF) en septembre 2023, où il a remporté le prix Amplify Voices BIPOC & Canadian First Feature Award, ainsi que le Sun Jury Award au 2023 ImagineNATIVE Film Festival.

Après sa première québécoise au Cinema Politica, TAUTUKTAVUK (SOUS NOS YEUX) sortira en salle à Montréal le 12 janvier 2024, avec des projections du film sous-titré en français et en anglais au Cinéma Moderne.Ce film inuit contemplatif, à la fois provocateur et subtilement intersectionnel, explore les points de convergence entre les mesures pandémiques, la violence domestique, la famille et les traumatismes intergénérationnels. Brouillant la frontière entre fiction et non-fiction, après un événement traumatisant, Uyarak et sa sœur aînée Saqpinak entreprennent un difficile voyage de guérison qui leur rappelle l’importance de la communauté, de la culture et de la famille. TAUTUKTAVUK (SOUS NOS YEUX) explore les questions de violence domestique et de toxicomanie du point de vue de deux femmes inuites.

[kimsutheiler]

FRIGID NONSENSE: How Will I See Myself In Norway Once Eskimonika Is Gone?

I have been told, by a Norwegian friend, that Diplom-Is is getting rid of Eskimonika like we are getting rid of Aunt Jemima in the United States. In the past, I squealed in rueful merriment, an oxymoron, upon seeing her when I visited Oslo, and said, “Ah, finally something that looks like me in Norway.” When one is seen, one becomes actualized. Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian national hero, took naked selfies, cable release enabled, later in his life to send to an American woman he was wooing. As a young man he had been the first recognized man with companions to cross Greenland on skis. The local Inuits thought the activity too inefficient a task to attempt; it was better to travel in their kayaks and umiaks on the water. To Fridtjof Nansen’s credit he acknowledged the superior technology of the local Inuits to survive and travel in the arctic. Thus, he happily missed his boat back to Denmark and overwintered in Greenland to learn from the Inuits. Even though the Norwegian Vikings had first come to Greenland as opposed to the Danish Vikings, their colony had died out and the land was given to Denmark by the Norwegians. Nansen’s way back to Norway would have to go via Danish ship. Those same Danes would have their own explorers that lived and documented the Inuit. From those images and collections of Inuit artifacts that help define the Eskimo in Denmark, the Norwegian dairy co-operative after a visit to Denmark in 1936 created Eskimonika, their soon to be ice cream wielding mascot according to Wikipedia.

This is a nine minute segment from the larger work, Frigid Nonsense (a slip of the eye inspired from a slip of the ear), performed on June 28, 2020. The work alludes to the birth of photography and cinema, and how photography was used by early arctic explorers to fund and metastasize their activities. I accompany the video with live improvised sounds produced on a modular synthesizer. Every live performance is nearly impossible to repeat in exactly the same way as most of the sound generation is done on analogue equipment using electrical current. 

The creation of these particular sounds: explicitly using oscillation, the sound waves as it is filtered and attenuated, one can see/hear the experience of making culture and being made by it.