AllMovie

Cultures collide and traditional beliefs are challenged when a group of Danish explorers arrive in the Arctic Circle and encounter an Inuit community determined to maintain their sense of culture in Atanarjuat director Zacharias Kunuk's cinematic meditation on this cultural and historical event. The year is 1922 and elderly shaman Awa (Pakak Innukshuk) is struggling to maintain his stormy relationship with rebellious daughter Apak (Leah Angutimarik). Her life marred by the same tragedy that befell her father, Apak is a shaman who is neglecting her current mate in favor of spending time with her deceased previous husband in the spirit realm. When a group of Danish explorers arrive and Awa is prompted to define his beliefs, his attempt to convey to his community the potentially damaging effects of Christian influence on Inuit culture offers a stirring look at the true meaning of tradition.