Igloolik, Nunavut filmmakers turn the lens on suicide

The co-founder ofArnaitVideo Productions inIglooliksays the group is working on a feature film called Sol, prompted by the death of a friend by suicide a year and a half ago.

"We were very sad and felt all kind of difficult emotions,"says filmmakerMarie-HlneCousineau, who lived in the community for 10 years, and now spends her time betweenIgloolikand Montreal.

Solomon, a young musician, was found dead in theIgloolikpolice station in 2012. He was 26.

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"We wanted to do something about this issue which is all too common in Nunavut,"Cousineausays."So we started to talk to people.

"We were alittlebit fearful at first that people didn't want to talk about the issue because it was too painful, but we soon realized that a lot of people want to talk about it and they have many things to say."

And while the film is not yet finished,Cousineausays she hopes that it will give people the change to get together and talk, as people inIgloolikare already doing during the films production.

"Were trying to give space to people. Let them express really their feelings, and I think that also creates a sense of taking life into your own hands. Its empowering to make films."

Cousineausays part of the film will be about how to cope with losing a loved one to suicide.

The film should be completed by this fall.

Uvanga in Iqaluit April 25, 26

TheArnaitVideo Collective has already produced two critically acclaimed feature films: Before Tomorrow in 2008and more recently,Uvanga.

Uvangatells the story of a 14-year-old boy from Montreal who visits Igloolik with his mother to meet the family of his biological father, who died in mysterious circumstances.

The film will play at Iqaluit's Astro Theatre April 25 and 25.

Co-directorMadeline Piujuq Ivalu and actress Carol Kunnuk will both be there.

Uvanga won Best Film at the 2013 Yellowknife International Film Festival last fall.