THE FAST RUNNER

Year: 2001
USA: Lot 47
Cast: Natar Ungalaaq, Sylvia Ivalu, Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq, Lucy Tulugarjuk, Madeline Ivalu, Paul Qulitali, Eugene Ipkarnak, Pakkak Innushuk, Neeve Irngaut, Abraham Ulayuruluk, Apayata Kotierk, Mary Qulitalik, Luke Taqqaujaq, Alex Uttak, Eric Nutarariaq
Director: Zacharias Kunuk
Country: Canada
Language: Inuktitut
USA: 172 mins
USA Release Date: 7 June 2002 (Limited Release)
US Distributor

Synopsis

Evil in the form of an unknown shaman divides a small community of nomadic Inuit, upsetting its balance and spirit.

Twenty years pass. Two brothers emerge to challenge the evil order: Amaqjuaq (Pakkak Innushuk), the Strong One, and Atanarjuat (Natar Ungalaaq) the Fast Runner. Atanarjuat wins the hand of the lovely Atuat (Sylvia Ivalu) away from the boastful son of the camp leader, Oki (Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq), who vows to get even. Oki ambushes the brothers in their sleep, killing Amaqjuaq, as Atanarjuat miraculously escapes running naked over the spring sea ice.

But can he ever escape the cycle of vengeance left behind?