TIFF’23: Tautuktavuk (What We See) depicts recovery through cultural pride
Posted September 10, 2023 6:58 pm.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a tremendously rough experience for everyone, but especially those in isolated communities. Few resources coming in, every member of the community forced to stay far apart from everyone else. With human connection, it made the burden of isolation a little easier.
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Tautuktavuk, also known as What We See, is a beautiful Inuit film that depicts the inherent need for human connection. The film’s two stars, Carol Kunnuk (from the Journals of Knud Rasmussen) and Lucy Tulugarjuk (from Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner), co-directed this film. The story, of two sisters separated by the COVID-19 pandemic, was based on their interactions during the pandemic. One sister moved to Montreal shortly before the pandemic began, while the other remained home in Igloolik.
The film predominantly unfolds with a documentary feel similar to cinéma verité documentaries like Sherman’s March and Burden of Dreams. It’s a fictitious narrative, but one that feels incredibly close to home for the characters. Tautuktavuk has many scenes of both sisters discussing their feelings and circumstances over Zoom, which make for incredibly engaging cinema. While we are watching a fictitious story, it feels like we’re gazing into the personal lives of people struggling through the one issue that everyone knows.
Carol Kunnuk and Lucy Tulugarjuk in Tautuktavuk (What We See), courtesy of TIFF.
I had the good fortune of speaking with one of the directors. Tulugarjuk tells me that this film was a challenging experience predominantly because of the intense emotion involved, and the method of shooting. “I was a little bit concerned how we are going to do this, but Carol is such a great actress too that it was natural for both of us to find a way to express those feelings.” She adds that it was an incredibly cathartic experience, with many of the scenes showing their natural emotion further leaning into that nonfiction feel.
She adds that she and Kunnuk often cried during these intense shoots, including one scene where Tulugarjuk’s character discusses deep-seated trauma. “That was surprising how real it seemed even though we were not physically in one room. I watch it and I still cry today when I see that particular part.”
Tautuktavuk is an impressive film that strongly resonates for anyone separated from their loved ones by COVID-19 and borders. It’s another terrific entry in the Canadian film canon, and one that should absolutely be seen by anyone hoping to learn more about our nation’s cinematic arts. This film gets a 4/5, and you can watch my interview with Tulugarjuk below.
