The Fast Runner

views updated

The Fast Runner ★★★ Atanarju at, the Fast Runner 2001 (R)

The first Inuktikut language feature film is a remarkably compelling drama based on an ancient Inuit legend and set in the north Baffin region of the Candian Arctic. Atanarjuat (Ungalaaq) is in love with Atuat (Ivalu), who is already promised to the jealous Oki (Arnatsiaq) who decides to kill his rival. Atanarjuat manages to escape by running (naked) across the ice, outlasting his pursuers until he finds a safe refuge. Then he decides to go back to his community and settle the score. 172m/C VHS, DVD . CA Pakkak Innuksuk, Natar Ungalaaq, Peter Henry Arnatsiaq, Sylvia Ivalu, Lucy Tulugarjuk; D: Zacharias Kunuk; W: Paul Apak Angilirq; C: Norman Cohn; M: Chris Crilly. Cannes '01: First Feature; Genie '01: Director (Kunuk), Film, Film Editing, Screenplay, Score.