In a remarkable convergence of cinematic ambition, the Nunavut film scene is buzzing with activity. Just days after acclaimed British actor and director Ralph Fiennes concluded a scouting trip to Nunavut in search of a talented Inuk actress for his upcoming directorial debut, another luminary of the film world, award-winning American director Robert Young, has arrived with a similar mission. The Nunavut Film Trade Show Gives Casting Call for 2 Inuk Actresses.
Young’s return to Nunavut marks a significant moment, as it is his first visit since his groundbreaking documentary series on Inuit life in 1967. This time, the director, accompanied by his son Andrew Young, a respected filmmaker in his own right, is embarking on a quest to find the perfect lead actress for a cinematic adaptation of the beloved children’s classic, "Julie of the Wolves."
"I think we’re the right team to make this film," asserted the seasoned director, Robert Young, emphasizing his confidence in the project and the team assembled.
"Julie of the Wolves": A Timeless Tale of Identity and Connection
"Julie of the Wolves," published in 1973, is a Newberry Award-winning novel that has captivated readers worldwide, selling millions of copies. The story centers around a young Inupiat girl named Julie, whose life undergoes profound changes after her father disappears during a seal hunt. Faced with the prospect of a forced marriage, Julie makes the courageous decision to flee into the vast Alaskan tundra.
In the wilderness, Julie encounters and befriends a pack of wolves, learning to live alongside them and gaining a unique understanding of the natural world. However, her journey eventually leads her back to civilization, where she discovers that her father has embraced Western culture and remarried.
Andrew Young describes the story as "a girl turning into a woman and through that process finding out who she really is. It’s also about our relationship to the earth." He emphasizes the story’s enduring relevance, stating, "The story is incredibly timely."
Intriguingly, the narrative shares thematic elements with Ralph Fiennes’ project, which centers on a young woman’s return to the Arctic after experiencing a disconnect from her language and culture during her time at a Winnipeg convent. The Nunavut Film Trade Show Gives Casting Call for 2 Inuk Actresses.
Andrew Young acknowledges the overlap between the two projects, recognizing that both films require female actors with similar qualities. He believes that the simultaneous search for talent will generate excitement and ultimately benefit both productions.
A Database of Inuit Actresses: A Legacy for the Future
The search for the leads in both films will officially commence at the Nunavut Film Trade Show Gives Casting Call for 2 Inuk Actresses next Thursday. Ajjiit Media, a local industry organization, will host a booth dedicated to collecting resumes, photographs, and video interviews from aspiring young actresses.
This initiative extends beyond the immediate casting needs of the two films. The collected materials will form the foundation of a comprehensive database of Inuit talent, serving as a valuable resource for future filmmakers seeking authentic representation and skilled performers.
While "Julie of the Wolves" is set in Alaska, Andrew Young believes that Nunavut offers a more advantageous environment for filming, citing a larger talent pool and a more developed film infrastructure.
Despite the independent nature of the production and the ongoing process of securing financing, Young remains optimistic. "We don’t believe we will have trouble getting it funded," he confidently states.
The production schedule anticipates a potential start date as early as next fall, with the following spring being a more likely scenario. A crucial element of pre-production involves the actress cast as Julie spending time with a trained pack of wolves in Utah, ensuring a realistic and respectful portrayal of her relationship with the animals.
Young emphasizes that his personal connection to "Julie of the Wolves" stems from her profound quest for identity and her deep-rooted connection to place, qualities that he feels he lacked growing up.
"I’ve never felt that strong connection to my own ancestry, so I’ve always felt a strong connection to those that do," he explains, highlighting the personal resonance of the story.
A Family Connection to the Arctic: Echoes of the Past
The Young family’s connection to the Arctic runs deep. In the mid-1960s, Robert Young Sr. ventured to Pelly Bay (now Kugaaruk) to document the lives of the Inuit, who were among the last to maintain their traditional way of life.
During his time in the Arctic, Young immersed himself in Inuit culture, traveling by dog sled, living in igloos, and participating in seal hunts. He recalls with fondness the warmth and generosity of the Inuit people, particularly the wife of his guide, who crafted traditional clothing for him.
"(She) chewed my boots, which I thought was quite something that my own wife would never do for me," he recounts with a smile.
The documentaries produced during this period have been widely acclaimed and continue to be available through the National Film Board. One of the films, adapted for CBS, even earned an Emmy Award.
Throughout his distinguished career, Robert Young has garnered numerous accolades, including awards from the Cannes Film Festival, and has collaborated with renowned actors such as Farrah Fawcett and Ray Liotta. However, this return to the Arctic marks a poignant homecoming, a reconnection with a place that left an indelible mark on his life.
The North he revisits is undeniably different from the one he experienced decades ago, a place where he had to rely on ingenuity and resourcefulness to address even basic needs, such as fixing a broken tooth with a file and melted candle wax.
"The romance is gone," he observes, acknowledging the changes that have swept across the Arctic.
Yet, some things remain unchanged.
"The faces, the faces… remarkable strong faces," he reflects, emphasizing the enduring resilience and character of the Inuit people. The Nunavut Film Trade Show Gives Casting Call for 2 Inuk Actresses.