Join us for an intimate conversation with legendary filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk, who made history as the first Inuk to produce a feature film. His masterpiece Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner didn’t just win the Caméra d’Or at Cannes — it shattered stereotypes, becoming Canada’s highest-grossing film of 2002 and opening doors for more authentic voices that had been largely absent from mainstream cinema.Through his production company Isuma, Kunuk has revolutionized Indigenous storytelling, proving that the most powerful cinema comes from authentic voices telling stories in their own language — by the people who lived them.
This remarkable conversation will explore groundbreaking community-based filmmaking, cultural preservation through cinema, and how to challenge industry norms with authentic storytelling. Hear from a visionary filmmaker who bridges ancient traditions and contemporary cinema, inspiring filmmakers worldwide.
Presented by
Book Tickets
Saturday October 11
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
Guest
Zacharias Kunuk
Zacharias Kunuk has directed more than 30 documentaries and feature films including Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001 Cannes Camera d’Or), which was named the “best Canadian film of all-time” in a 2015 TIFF critics’ poll. In 2003, he founded the distribution company Isuma Distribution International, to allow Inuit audiences better access to Inuktitut film and video, and in 2008, he introduced the website www.isuma.tv. In 2015, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, and in 2019, an Officer of the Order of Nunavut.
Filmography: Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001); The Journals of Knud Rasmussen (2006); Searchers (2016); Kivitoo: What They Thought of Us (2018); One Day in the Life of Noah Piugattuk (2019)
See More Talks at VIFF
Breaking the Rules: Janicza Bravo on Unconventional Narratives and Fearless Filmmaking
From her Sundance winner Gregory Go Boom to the acclaimed Zola, Janicza Bravo transforms chaos into surrealist cinema gold. Her bold vision has elevated episodes of Atlanta, The Bear, and Poker Face. Join us for a talk with this fearless storyteller.
Visual Architect: Frederick Elmes on Four Decades of Cinematic Collaboration
Legendary cinematographer Frederick Elmes has spent decades helping to define the visual language of directors like David Lynch and Jim Jarmusch. Don't miss this opportunity to hear about the craft behind some of cinema’s most unforgettable moments.
Image: © Vague Notion
From Intimate to Infinite With Writer, Creator Jenny Lumet
From Rachel Getting Married to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Jenny Lumet is a master storyteller. She's forged a unique path, building a career that champions diverse voices and crafts deeply human stories. Join us as she shares her journey.
Choreographed Chaos: Ramon and Silvan Zürcher on Domestic Surrealism and Cinematic Precision
Employing collaboration and a shared vision, Ramon and Silvan Zürcher create meticulously observed, drolly absurd dramas that transform domestic spaces into surreal landscapes.
Image: © Iris Janke
Making It Happen With Jeremy Dawson, Producer: From Aronofsky to Anderson
From title designer to award-winning producer, Jeremy Dawson has played a role in some of your favourite movies. Join us to hear about his journey through cinema and his collaborations with filmmaking giants like Wes Anderson and Darren Aronofsky.
Reshaping Storytelling With Zacharias Kunuk, Director
Join us for an intimate conversation with legendary Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk, whose masterpiece Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner won the Caméra d'Or at Cannes and helped pave the way for more authentic voices in cinema.
Building the Extraordinary With Marcus Rowland, Production Designer, The Running Man
An engaging conversation with Marcus Rowland as he takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, revealing how he builds these unforgettable worlds and navigates the collaborative art of bringing impossible visions to life on screen.
Bringing Monsters to Life With VFX Supervisor Dennis Berardi, Frankenstein
While classic creatures remain timeless, modern audiences demand something that feels authentically alive. VFX supervisor Dennis Berardi is a master of balancing practical artistry with digital innovation.