Image from ALFF Shorts: Women of this Land

ALFF Shorts: Women of this Land

Friday, February 14, 2025 at 12:00 pmYukon Theatre

Mawtini (My Homeland)

DIR. FATEEMA AL-HAMAYDEH MILLER, 2024, ONTARIO, 19 MIN

Together Nawal, a young Palestinian woman, and Tanya, an older Indigenous woman, start a guerrilla garden on the lawn of their apartment building and battle middle management to make it to harvest.

Genre: Fiction

Silent Cries (Kiayunik Tuhanak)

DIR. NAVALIK TOLOGNAK, 2024, NU/ON, 17 MIN

"It happened every year during long weekends in September. That's when all the planes, little planes start flying around Nunavut and NWT (North-Western Territory) collecting kids at camps. As soon as you hear that plane coming around you know what was gonna happen, some of them hide, run away… But the parents were always threatened if their kids didn't get on that plane. All you could hear was mothers, grandmothers crying." Navalik Tologanak (Netflix-BANFF Diversity of Voices 2023 Alumni), journalist and emerging filmmaker shares her experience as a residential school survivor. Silent Cries (Kiayunik Tuhanak) documents the private meeting between Pope Francis and Inuit survivors on their land in July 2022. As a respected Elder, Navalik weaves her personal story into the narrative to bring an intimate perspective to a historic event and what followed.

Women of This Land: Jennie Williams

DIR. STEPHANIE JOLINE, 2024, NOVA SCOTIA, 22 MIN

This captivating documentary delves into the life of Jennie Williams, an Inuk artist and teacher hailing from Labrador. Part of a compelling series that highlights the stories of Indigenous women in Atlantic Canada, emphasizing their connection to their land and culture, this episode captures Jennie's multifaceted approach to maintaining her ties with her Inuit roots. Whether through the meticulous art of sewing traditional clothing, the ancient practice of throat singing, or the visual storytelling in her photography, Jennie shares her gifts with unwavering enthusiasm. As a dedicated teacher, she creates meaningful connections with others, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The vibrant cityscape of St. John's serves as the backdrop to Jennie's story, highlighting the challenges faced by urban Inuk individuals striving to preserve their cultural identity. The documentary is a celebration of Jennie Williams' commitment to preserving Inuit culture and fostering a sense of unity among those who share her journey. Through her artistry, teaching, and connections, Jennie becomes a beacon of inspiration, impacting the hearts and minds of those she encounters.

Genre: Documentary

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