ALFF FILMS

UNARCHIVED VIKING

Unarchived

DIR. HAYLEY GRAY AND ELAD TZADOK, 2022, BRITISH COLUMBIA | 84 MIN

SCREENING SPONSOR: MOLOTOV AND BRICKS TATTOO

For too long, the past has been the exclusive domain of the white colonial power structure.

In this zippy NFB documentary, Hayley Gray and Elad Tzadok survey the inspiring work of a handful of community archives across British Columbia. They talk to curators and archivists from groups traditionally marginalized or excluded communities: Indigenous, Queer, Trans, the Chinese Canadian Museum, the Tahltan Nation, the South Asian Legacy Project, and others. Along the way, we learn the secret, neglected, and untold histories of this place we only think we know.

Directors Hayley Gray and Elad Tzadok in attendance for post-screening Q&A.

Viking

DIR. STÉPHANE LAFLEUR, 2022, QUEBEC | 104 MIN

SCREENING SPONSOR: ASSOCIATION FRANCO-YUKONNAISE

A behavioral research team observes and attempts to replicate the experiences of the first manned mission to Mars.

Packed with beautifully surreal images and mundane bits of interplanetary work routine — like the five astronauts piling onto a bus in full space gear, then shuffling off towards a Quonset hut where the organizer promptly loses his keys — Viking balances humour with profound poignancy, a longing for a sense of purpose. It’s that rare kind of science fiction where gadgets and fantasy are overshadowed by the mysteries of the human psyche, and arguably Lafleur’s finest film to date.

In English and French with English subtitles. Content advisory: themes of depression.

Voices Across The Water

DIR. FRITZ MUELLER, 2022, YUKON | 90 MIN

SCREENING SPONSOR: NORTHWESTEL COMMUNITY TV

There is a moment during the construction of a canoe when its true form is revealed. A hull drops into place. The elegant arc of a bow cuts forth. A similar process sometimes occurs in life, when a person finally discovers their true path.

Fritz Mueller and Teresa Earle’s feature documentary Voices Across the Water follows two master boat builders as they practise their art and find a way back to balance and healing.

For Alaskan Tlingit carver Wayne Price and young apprentice, Violet, fashioning a dugout canoe from a single massive red cedar tree is a way to reconnect to the Ancestral Knowledge of Indigenous craftspeople. Francophone artist Halin de Repentigny’s handmade birchbark canoes recall the vessels once used by the voyageurs. Connected by their devotion to craft and the critical importance of succession, they carry forward the ancient art of navigating life’s unexpected currents.

Director, Fritz Mueller, producer, Teresa Earle, executive producer, Shirley Vercruysse in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.

The Whale

DIR. DARREN ARONOFSKY, 2022, USA | 117 MIN

SCREENING SPONSOR: KOBAYASHI + ZEDDA

Based on a stage play, a reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption. Canadian actor, Brendan Fraser is nominated for the Best Actor award for his performance in this drama at the 2023 Oscars.

Content advisory: strong language, sexuality, mature and complex themes. Recommended for ages 15+.

When Time Got Louder

DIR. CONNIE COCCHIA, 2021, BRITISH COLUMBIA | 114 MIN

SCREENING SPONSOR: YUKON PROVISIONS

Connie Cocchia creates a clear depiction of autism’s impacts on an individual and their family. When Time Got Louder offers a deeply moving story about good people simply trying to do their best—and just how hard that can be.

Leaving home for university, Abbie thrives as she experiences independence and self-actualization. However, she’s tormented by the knowledge that her brother Kayden, who has autism and is non-verbal, is reeling in her absence and pushing her parents to their limits. Abbie faces the impossible decision between returning to Karly, the woman she’s fallen for, or providing Kayden the support he seemingly desperately needs.

Content advisory: bullying, coarse language, violence.

WHETŪ MĀRAMA - BRIGHT STAR

DIR. TOBY MILLS AND AILEEN O’SULLIVAN, 2022, NZD | 94 MIN

SCREENING SPONSOR: LUMEL STUDIOS

For Māori, the canoe underpins our culture.

We once built waka/canoes from giant trees and sailed the Pacific by the stars. These arts were lost to us for 600 years.

Whetū Mārama – Bright Star is the story of Sir Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Puhip, and his significance for Māori in rekindling their wayfinding DNA and for all New Zealanders in reclaiming our place as traditional star voyages. It is the story of a culture that understands an inner compass. Hek’s voyaging has reconnected his crews with their inbuilt GPS systems and they in turn are teaching and inspiring the next generation.

THIS IS NOT A CEREMONY (VR EXPERIENCE)

DIR. AHNAHKTSIPIITAA (COLIN VAN LOON) , 2022, BC | 22 MIN

This NFB produced interactive VR experience will be available to experience on a headset on a first comefirst-served basis at the festival information table at YAC. Hours listed below.

Niitsitapi writer and director Ahnahktsipiitaa (Colin Van Loon) takes us beyond the veil of traditional media and transports us directly into another realm, where past, present and future are one; where colonial rules and assumptions are forgotten; and where we can finally get to the truth of the matter.

Presented in stunning cinematic VR, the narrative unfolds all around us, on a dream-like plane of existence. Panoramas flow and merge, stories come to life and dance before our eyes, and community protocols confront our notions of personal responsibility. Here, we are asked to witness some of the darker sides of living life in Canada while Indigenous.

This unforgettable experience will stay with you long after it’s over. THIS IS NOT A CEREMONY calls on all who’ve watched to take action, to share what they have seen and heard, to learn from these tragedies and never forget—so that they will never happen again.

Available to experience in the Yukon Arts Centre lobby. No cost. First come first-served.

Friday Feb 10: 3pm - 6pm

Saturday Feb 11: 3pm - 6pm

Sunday Feb 19: 3pm - 6pm