Mongrel Media Presents UVANGA A film by Marie-Helene Cousineau And Madeline Piujuq Ivalu (90 min., Canada, 2013) Distribution Publicity 1028 Queen Street West Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6J 1H6 Tel: 416-516-9775 Fax: 416-516-0651 E-mail: info@mongrelmedia.com www.mongrelmedia.com Bonne Smith Star PR Tel: 416-488-4436 Fax: 416-488-8438 E-mail: starpr@sympatico.ca High res stills may be downloaded from http://www.mongrelmedia.com/press.html
Anna is nervous when she and her son, Tomas, arrive in the small, close-knit community of Igloolik in the Canadian Arctic. Anna had a short-lived affair with Tomas s Inuk father when she worked in Igloolik. But Tomas, now 14 years old, was born and raised in his mother s native city of Montreal and never knew much about his origins. Tomas is bright, strong, and curious about his father s culture, but his father is no longer around to show him the way. For Tomas s mother and Inuit family, the joy of his homecoming is mixed with memories of a brief and painful chapter in their shared history. Over the course of two weeks that seem to blend into one long day under the midnight sun, Anna and Thomas strive to rebuild the family they could no longer ignore. For more information please write to: press@uvangamovie.com
The characters of Anna and Tomas were not inspired by anyone in particular, but there are many families like theirs in the world today: separated, mixed-blood children discovering their roots and shaping their identities; grandparents connecting with newly found grandchildren; and adults trying to mend broken relationships. This story could have taken place anywhere, but the one we are telling takes place in the North in a remote community on Before Tomorrow, our production group went in different directions. The elders, Susan Avingaq and Madeline Ivalu, went on to produce documentaries on traditional customs. Carol Kunnuk directed a documentary on a contemporary female musher, while Marie-Hélène Cousineau directed a two-episode documentary on the impact of mining in the North, as well as a short comedy. Arnait Video also co-produced a documentary series called The Uluit, the story of an all-female hockey team from Inukjuak. The series was nominated for a Gemini for Best Documentary Series. In the last three years, we have also produced various web blogs and documentaries. of Uvanga. Marie-Hélène Cousineau continued writing, working with writer and editor Trevor Ferguson, and in the summer script and had many meetings with prospective actors. actors. Interestingly, they had never worked on a contemporary story before. Working with them helped us sharpen the scenes and the Inuktitut dialogue developed in the script. We used this same approach with Before Tomorrow to ensure absolute cultural authenticity. audience will feel close to the characters through the events of their lives. Directors Madeline Ivalu and Marie-Hélène Cousineau For more information please write to: press@uvangamovie.com
MARIE-HÉLÈNE COUSINEAU Co-director Marie-Hélène Cousineau formed the collective Arnait Video Workshop, and is its coordinator/trainer as well as an active collaborating producer. Along with co-director Madeline Before Tomorrow, winner of Best Canadian First Feature at series The Uluit, which was nominated for a Gemini for Best Documentary Series. Her video work has been widely exhibited in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. With an MFA in Communications from the University of Iowa, Cousineau was also associate professor of Communications at Concordia Perdre et retrouver le Nord was on view as part of the opening eight-artist show Archival Dialogues: Reading the Black Star Collection at the Ryerson Image Centre in Toronto. MADELINE PIUJUQ IVALU Co-director and actress Madeline Piujuq Ivalu has been a key elder participant in all Arnait projects since its inception. With Marie-Hélène Cousineau, she co-directed Arnait s award-winning feature Before Tomorrow. She was cultural advisor and interviewer for the Arnait productions Women/ Health/Body and Itivimut as well as storyteller, musician, actor and writer for Qulliq, Ataguttaluk Starvation, Piujuq and Angutautuq and Unikausiq. She presented the videos of the Workshop at the Inuit Women s organization. For more information please write to: press@uvangamovie.com
Actors LUKASI FORREST (TOMAS) Newcomer to the big screen, Lukasi Forrest is from Kuujjuaq, Nunavik (Northern Québec). He has been involved in the local Junior Rangers, Police Cadets, school soccer team and other sports. He previously trained and performed with Cirqiniq, a Cirque du Soleil social circus program. Given the opportunity, Lukasi would like to continue acting. In the meantime, he is continuing his schooling and plans to work as a monitor at the Kuujjuaq Youth Camp this summer. MARIANNE FARLEY (ANNA) By the time she was 19, Marianne knew that her career would take place under the lights. been her passion. Once focused on this path, her talent was quickly recognized. Being fully bilingual, she began with parts on shows for youth in both English and French like Big Wolf on Campus, Vampire High, Seriously Weird and Macaroni Tout Garni. Following this, she had a starring role in the feature thriller Daniel Roby s La Peau Blanche time series in Quebec: Les Invincibles, Nos Étés and in Les Rescapés. On U.S. television she played in Stephen King s Dead Zone and had supporting roles in movies Christmas Choir, Forbidden Secrets and No Brother of Mine. Marianne can be seen in the upcoming feature Stobe Harju s Imaginaerum, Mon Cher Robert TRAVIS KUNNUK (TRAVIS) Having never acted before, this was a new experience for Travis. In the future, he would like to take on other parts. At the moment, he is the local Northern Store Stock Supervisor; he enjoys hunting For more information please write to: press@uvangamovie.com
MADELINE PIUJUQ IVALU (SARAH) Madeline Piujuq Ivalu has been a key elder participant in all projects by Arnait Video Productions since 1991. Actor, director, musician, storyteller and well-known seamstress, she co-directed and Before Tomorrow, giving a moving performance as Ningiuq, The Fast Runner and The Journals of Knud Rasmussen. PETER-HENRY ARNATSIAQ (BARRIE) Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq is an experienced hunter from Igloolik as well as a well-known actor. Atanarjaut The Fast Runner. He is The Journals of Knud Rasmussen and Marie-Hélène Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu s Before Tomorrow and has a supporting role in Charles Martin Smith s The Snow Walker Théâtre in Montreal a unique re-enactment of the contemporary Inuit legend of Kaukjakjualuk. Co-directed with his brother Laurentio Arnatsisaq, this impressive performance included singing, acting, drumming, dancing and juggling. PAKAK INNUKSUK (IKE) Pakak Innukshuk is a well-known carver and actor. He has played in the theater and has had several The Journals of Knud Rasmussen Atanarjuat The Fast Runner. Recently, he played Merkusaq in Michel Poulette s Maïna, shot in the spring of CAROL KUNNUK (SHEBA) assistant directing several projects for the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, the Nunavut Independent The Queen of the Quest Norman Cohn s The Journals of Knud Rasmussen and took part in acting workshops in Igloolik. Carol currently resides in Igloolik and is the in house editor for Kingulliit Productions. For more information please write to: press@uvangamovie.com
STÉPHANE RITUIT Before Tomorrow TIFFGroup), the documentary Inuit Knowledge and Climate Change and shorts like Tungijuq (Sundance, TIFF, etc.). He is also the coproducer of the web distribution platform www.isuma.tv MARIE-HÉLÈNE COUSINEAU Marie-Hélène Cousineau has been producing and co-directing documentaries, web projects Before Tomorrow with Madeline Ivalu which won Best First Canadian Feature at the Toronto Film SUSAN AVINGAQ Susan Avingaq has been a regular participant in Arnait Video Productions since 1991. She was a key member of the production team for Qulliq, Ataguttaaluk Starvation and Piujuq and Angutautuq as writer, actor and musician. In awards for her work in Before Tomorrow as screenwriter (adapted screenplay), composer (original song) and art direction. MADELINE PIUJUQ IVALU Producer, actress and co-director at Arnait Video Productions. Uvanga is the second feature she co-directs with Marie-Hélène Cousineau. Atanarjuat The Fast Runner, which won the The Journals of Knud Rasmussen, co-directed with Norman Cohn, which opened the Toronto International Film National Arts Award, National Aboriginal Achievement Award and was named an For more information please write to: press@uvangamovie.com
Uvanga Tail Credit - TMP 3/28/2014 A film by Marie-Hélène Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu Starring Tomas Lukasi Forrest Anna Marianne Farley Travis Travis Kunnuk Original Screenplay Marie-Hélène Cousineau in collaboration with Susan Avingaq Madeline Ivalu Carol Kunnuk Director of Photography Félix Lajeunesse Alexandre Domingue Editor Glenn Berman Music Alain Auger Produced by Arnait Video Productions and Kunuk Cohn Productions Producers Stéphane Rituit Marie-Hélène Cousineau Executive producers Susan Avingaq Madeline Piujuq Ivalu Zacharias Kunuk produced with the financial participation of Telefilm Canada Canada Media Fund SODEC Société de développement des entreprises culturelles - Québec Govt of Nunavut/Nunavut Film (logo) Quebec - Film and Television Tax Credit - Gestion SODEC Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit with the collaboration of Nunavut Independent TV Network produced in association with The Movie Network and Astral Media Network Movie Central Super Channel the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Exclusive Airline for Arnait Video Productions Inc First Air Voice of Tomas Robert Naylor Ike Pakak Innuksuk Barrie Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq Sheba Carol Kunnuk Sarah Madeline Piujuq Ivalu Silessie Samson Kango 1 of 6
Uvanga Tail Credit - TMP 3/28/2014 Jeela Sharon Iyeraq John Eric Nutarariaq Lukassie John Arnatsiaq Big Hunter Laurentio Arnatsiaq The old friends Mary Qulitalik Augustine Taqaugaq Lukassie's wife Michelline Ammaq The accordeonist Susan Avingaq Little girl asking for a cigarette Edith Auqsaq Jeela's daughter Donna Aqqiaruq Jeela's daughter's friend Sky Ivalu Construction worker Guillaume Saladin Caleb Mark Brandon Oolayou Young Barrie Ipellie Ootoova The little girl in Sarah's house Karen Ivalu Hunters party Justin Panimera Savo Idlout The cashier Neeve Uttak Sheba's daughter Evelyne Ava Kunnuk At the airport Alexandre Cousineau Bianca Amaaq Billy Jay Amaaq Chelsea Amaaq Isaiah Patterk Jacky Qrunngnut Lazarus Iqqaqsaq Louise Uyarak Sarah Kadlu In the Taxi Abaraham Ullayuruluk Agatha Ivalu Jakopie Ivalu Boys playing in the street Gilbert Auksaq Hunter Ungalaq James Ukkuq Kublu Markus Angutiqjuaq Mason Ijjangiaq Paul Lucas Ungalaq Rick Auto Stuqsi Immaroitok Wayne Qaunaq In the pick up Jocelyne Arreak George Auqsak At the bay Bonnie Innuksuk Connie Innuksuk Marlene Angutiqjuak Kids in the smoking room Alana Qaunaq Ely Arreak Card players Agatha Ivalu Bobby Uttuigak Celina Irngaut Farrah Siakuluk Lou-Paula Kunuk Martha Ipkargnak Kids playing near the bridge Branden Quassa Kaen Chade Tulltajuk Mark Jr. Taqqauraq Markusi Jr Malliki Marleen Auqsaq Wally Issigaituq Harmonica player Bobby Uttuigak Little girl with the harmonica player Annie Rose Immaroitok 2 of 6
Uvanga Tail Credit - TMP 3/28/2014 Girls ice hopping Sheena Qamaniq Marcy Siakuluk Karen Illupalik Cooks at the pizzeria Wayne Qaunaq Noah Amaaq Kids playing at the shore Markusi Jr Malliki Elmo Ittuksarjuat Markus Angutiqjuaq Ashley Malliki Script Editor Trevor Ferguson Inuktitut dialogue Madeline Piujuq Ivalu Susan Avingaq Carol Kunnuk Script Consultants Nancy Wachowich Norman Cohn Production Designer Mélanie McNicoll Art Director Susan Avingaq Assistant art department Amanda Taqtaq Qayaaq Otak Costume Design Louise Uyarak Lucy Grey Camera Félix Lajeunesse Alexandre Domingue Winter scenes Director of Photography/Camera Jean-François Lord 1st Assistant Camera Pierric Soucy Data wrangling / On Set editor Julien Alix Still Photographer Philippe Ruel Sound Lynne Trépanier Boom Marie-Pierre Grenier Additional Sound Recording Shawn Innuksuk Head Gaffer / Best Boy Rémi Giroux Grips Jerry Ulayuruluk Brian Nutarariaq Hair & makeup Toby Otak Special FX makeup Brigitte Bilodeau Carpenters Solomon Allurut Jason Palluq Aime Panimera Casting for Anna Emanuelle Beaugrand-Champagne Nathalie Boutrie Voice coach Richard Dumont Stunt Coordinator Guillaume Saladin Production Manager Stéphane Rituit Production Coordinator Cara Di Staulo Assistant Directors Jolene Arreak Michelline Ammaq Script Supervisor / Continuity Ashley Duong Unit Manager Eric Nutarariaq Location Managers Igloolik Terry Uyarak June Anguratsiaq 3 of 6
Uvanga Tail Credit - TMP 3/28/2014 Location Manager Iqaluit Inukpak Outfitting Louis-Philip Pothier Assistant Location Managers Johnny Qumangat Maria Makkik Production Assistants Jacky Qrunngnut Jeannie Angilirq Joey Ammaq David Irngaut Annie Désilets Damien Tulugajuk Imona Akiittirq Isaiah Patterk Paul Kunnuk Tyrone Qamaniq Johnny Qumangat Maria Makkik Terry Uyarak Catering Tujormivik Hotel Elijah Evaluarjuk Sheba Awa Pepilie Evaluarjuk Wayne Qaunaq Noah Amaaq Drivers Jerry Iyyeraq Charlie Qulitalik Kanayuk Taxi Raphael Qrunnut Boat drivers Edward Ataguttaaluk Justin Panimera Pakak Innuksuk Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq Solomon Qattalik Ted Ataguttaaluk Wayne Ungalaq Translators Celina Irngaut Catherine Piugattuk Rea Nolan Accountant Cara Di Staulo Montréal office assistant Maxime Forget Benoit Gauthier Postproduction Supervisor André Dery Video Postproduction Post-Moderne Alexandre Domingue Coordination Anne-Marie Bousquet Line Lussier Myriam Therrien Color correction Charles Boileau Online and Effects Guillaume Pelletier Editing assistants Amélie Labrèche Charles Tranquille Jessie-Lee Labonté Additional editing assistant Myriam Boileau Title Design Ottoblix 4 of 6
Uvanga Tail Credit - TMP 3/28/2014 Audio Postproduction Premium Sound Supervising Sound Editor Luc Mandeville Dialog/ADR Supervisor François Maurice Sound Editor Matthew Cerantola Foley Artist Paul Hubert Foley Recordist Eric Lagacé Foley Assistant Danielle Bérard Sound Consultant Steven Gurman M.P.S.E. Re-Recording Mixer Eric Ladouceur ADR Recording in Igloolik Chris Coleman Re-Voice Dialogue Director and consultant Richard M. Dumont Publicity Lucius Barre Website Espresso Communication Graphic designer Fig Communications Legal Julie-Anne Archambault Normand Tamarro Auditor Fauteux Bruno Bussière Leewarden Insurance Globalex Interim Financing National Bank of Canada Original Music Music Composed, Arranged and Produced by: Alain Auger Recorded and Mixed at studio Vert et Blanc Electric guitar, Tricone guitar, Alain Auger Bass, Ukulele, Lap Steel, Celesta, Bells Violins François Pilon Mélanie Bélair Alto Ligia Paquin Cello Sheila Hannigan Double Bass Mathieu Gagné Strings Ensemble recorded at Studio Frisson by Don Murnaghan String charts copyist by Guido Del Fabbro "Qangiakuluk" Music and Lyrics by David Nanorak Performed by Naujamiut Band: David Nanorak, Jason Malliki, Tyson Nanorak and James Natseck "Piqatigiyaga" Music and Lyrics by Sam Tutanuak Performed by Sam Tutanuak From the album "Utiqpunga" "Never Been Loved Before" Music and Lyrics by Rita Chiarelli / Mad Iris Music Performed by Leanne Goose "Qaina" Music and Lyrics by Northern Haze Performed by Derek Aqqiaruq, James Ungalaq, Naisana Qamaniq and John Inooya Produced and engineered by Jason Flower Recorded at Igloolik Isuma Productions, Igloolik, Nunavut, September 4-12, 2010. Mixed by Hayden Cyr and Jason Flower at Mind Yourself Music Studios, Victoria, BC, February-March, 2011. From the Northern Haze 25 th anniversary anthology, Sinnaktuq &(P)2012 Supreme Echo / Northern Haze. 5 of 6
Uvanga Tail Credit - TMP 3/28/2014 Used under license from Supreme Echo / Northern Haze "Kassuttoq" Music and Lyrics by Henrik Høyer Jensen, Nuuk, Greenland produced and recorded at Atlantic Music Aps Nuuk, Greenland by Mik S. Christensen. "Now that we're one" Music and Lyrics by BOLD Performed by BOLD distributed by Mongrel Media and Métrople Films Thanks to The community of Igloolik. Igloolik's hamlet staff and Brian Fleming The Women's Aboriginal Secretariat of Nunavut Baffin Business Development Corporation For their on-going support to the Arnait Video Collective: Canada Council for the Arts Conseil des Arts et Lettres du Québec Government of Nunavut - Department of Culture, Language, E The Tujormivik Hotel, Elijah Evaluarjuk and his team First Air employees in Hall Beach and Igloolik Artcirq The Arctic College: Ellen Hamilton and Frank Tapardjuk The Navigator Inn, Arctic Hotel, Igloolik COOP Air Inuit and Peter Horseman David Forrest The teachers of Igloolik and Dominique Angutimarik for their assistance for housing the cast and crew copyright Arnait Video Productions Inc Kunuk Cohn Productions Inc. www.uvangamovie.com 2013 all rights reserved 6 of 6