Nanook of the North (1922)

In the icy expanses of Canada's northern Ungava region, the film "Nanook of the North" paints an intimate portrait of Nanook, an Inuit, and his kin, the nomadic Itivimuits. Their world, a sprawling canvas roughly the size of England, is nestled on the eastern shores of Hudson's Bay where they harmoniously coexist with nature's elemental forces. Their lives are woven into the seasonal rhythm of the Arctic wilderness: summer beckons travels in kayaks and other water vessels, while winter sees the dashing flurry of dog sleds. They occasionally cross paths with white traders of the "western" civilization, bartering for goods at established trading posts, but their existence is primarily carved out of the unforgiving landscape by their own hands. The Itivimuits' survival is a testament to their resilience and ingenuity, relying on a subsistence lifestyle where hunting and fishing are not merely activities but rites of survival. Their sustenance is sourced from the sea's bounty – salmon, seal, and walrus – though the terrestrial gifts of white foxes, polar bears, and deer are also cherished. Winter's icy cloak often proves a daunting barrier, making access to water and its underwater treasures challenging. However, the very ice that barricades also offers them unique opportunities. It’s not just an adversary, but a provider of plentiful raw materials for constructing igloos, their temporary fortresses against the harsh elements. The stark white winter also unveils seal habitats, their dark coats stark against the snowy backdrop. "Nanook of the North" documents a year in the life of this extraordinary family, exploring their trading, hunting, fishing, and migratory patterns. An anthropological treasure, the film stands as a testament to a group barely grazed by industrial technology. This pioneering full-length documentary captures their tenacity, adaptability, and deep connection to the land, offering a mesmerizing window into a world that time forgot.

Nanook of the North is a documentary movie featuring Allakariallak and directed by Robert Flaherty.

Nanook of the North is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Nanook of the North on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.