Watch There Is A House Here

There Is A House Here is a 2017 documentary film directed by Canadian filmmaker Alan Zweig. The film takes viewers on a journey through the town of Iqaluit, Nunavut, located in the Canadian Arctic, as it explores the lives of its Indigenous people, particularly the Inuit community. The film stars two Inuit sisters, Lucie Idlout and Leah Idlout-Paulson, both of whom are musicians and activists, who guide the viewer through their hometown and share their personal perspectives on life in the North. The film incorporates interviews with local residents, including elders, young people, artists, and politicians, who provide a diverse range of viewpoints and experiences.

The film is an intimate portrait of the Inuit people and their relationship with their land, culture, and history. There Is A House Here touches on themes such as the effects of colonization, the struggles of maintaining traditional customs in a changing world, and the impact of climate change on the Arctic landscape.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to showcase the beauty and resilience of the Inuit community, even in the face of adversity. The film highlights the rich cultural history of Iqaluit and how it informs the present day. Interviews with elders provide insight into traditional customs like storytelling, hunting, and the importance of community.

There Is A House Here also explores the challenges facing the Inuit community today. For example, the film discusses the high rates of suicide, substance abuse, and domestic violence in the North. There is a poignant moment where Leah reflects on her own experience with trauma and how it has led her to become a mental health advocate.

The film also delves into the theme of Indigenous resistance and activism. Lucie and Leah speak about their involvement in the fight for Indigenous rights, including their participation in protests against the construction of a proposed pipeline that would have run through the North. The film shows the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and values.

One of the film's key strengths is the use of music to convey the emotional depth of the Inuit perspective. Lucie and Leah perform original songs throughout the film, which communicate their personal experiences and beliefs. The music is both uplifting and haunting, and it provides a unique soundtrack to the film.

There Is A House Here also includes breathtaking footage of the Arctic landscape, illustrating the stark beauty of the land and its connection to the people who live there. The film showcases the importance of the land to the Inuit community and how it shapes their worldview.

Overall, There Is A House Here is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on the unique challenges and strengths of the Inuit community. It is a celebration of Inuit culture, a call to action for Indigenous rights, and a testament to the resilience of a people facing tremendous adversity.

There Is A House Here is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.