Trapped in the cold and dark of an Iqaluit snowstorm, two young Inuk girls brush up against something indescribable. Years later, in Toronto, Yura Ivala (Anna Lambe, True Detective), now an ambitious up-and-coming multimedia writer, dredges up this childhood trauma to vie for a lucrative movie deal. When the subject of her film pitch — her estranged friend Sesi (Zorga Qaunaq) — shows up unannounced on her doorstep, Yura’s deep-seated fears unravel into thunderous, blood-curdling visions. Has Sesi come to replace her? To take her life from her? To take her story?
The sophomore feature from co-writer and director Nyla Innuksuk (Slash/Back) reunites North of North stars Anna Lambe and Zorga Qaunaq for a propulsive psychological meta-thriller. Uncanny sleight of hand from editor Hugh Elchuk and a haunting score from throat-singing duo Piqsiq bring our leads’ spellbinding performances to chilling crescendos. With mordant wit and gutting pathos, In the Heart of the South carves deep into themes of representation, appropriation, and the exploitation of Indigenous pain in white-dominated screen industries.
Content Considerations: References to sexual abuse, references to institutional abuse (Indian residential schools), strong language, blood
Oct 3 & 4: Filmmaker Q&A
Presented by
Supported by
Media Partner
Anna Lambe, Zorga Qaunaq, Alexander Nunez, Rob Ramsay, Tara Nicodemo
Canada
2026
English
Coarse language; violence
Open to youth at International Village
At Fifth Ave
Book Tickets
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Bruno Dubé, Jennifer Kawaja, Omar Chalabi, Olivia Nasner
Producer
Nyla Innuksuk, Laura Perlmutter
Screenwriter
Nyla Innuksuk, Ryan Cavan
Cinematography
Ann Tipper
Editor
Hugh Elchuk
Production Design
Thea Hollatz
Original Music
PIQSIQ, Tiffany Ayalik, Inuksuk Mackay
Nyla Innuksuk
Filmography: Slash/Back (2022)