Watch Village at the End of the World
- 2013
- 1 hr 22 min
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7.2 (322)
Set in Northern Greenland, the documentary film Village at the End of the World is a captivating story of a small community working hard to survive in a harsh climate. The movie, released in 2012, features the residents of Niaqornat, a village that sits on the edge of the Arctic Circle. The film is directed by Sarah Gavron and David Katznelson.
The movie begins by introducing the audience to Lars, the only teenager in the village. Lars dreams of leaving the village and going to the city, but he is unsure if he wants to leave his community behind. We meet other residents of the village, including Karl, who is the mayor of the town and Ilannguaq, who is the only one who speaks the native language of the community- Inuktun.
The film documents the life of the village and its people from traditional hunting rituals to modern-day challenges, including global warming and changing lifestyles. We see the arduous process of ridding of seal carcasses off the island, making harpoon lines and preparing fish to last through the long winter. The community approach evokes empathy, as villagers band together to build a new economic model to secure their village's future.
The film then follows the adventures of Karl, Ilannguaq, and Lars, who go on a trip outside the village to seek grant money for the village's sustainability project. The trio's journey is an adventure in itself, as they travel by sea, trek across the ice-sheet, and ride snowmobiles through freezing blizzards in search of their goal. The people they meet on the journey inspire them to think outside the box and explore new possibilities for their community's future.
Throughout the movie, we get to explore the beauty of Northern Greenland landscapes, capturing its raw and mesmerising beauty. The drone shots above the Arctic Circle mesmerise the audience, give a view of the nature that the inhabitants of the village survive on. The cinematography captures every moment from the faces of the protagonists, the animals in the village and the icebergs that they come across while travelling, making it a heartwarming watch.
The documentary covers various aspects of the village's life, including its culture and history, and how they integrate with modern life. Additionally, the film's strength is its focus on the stories of the people who make up the community- the individuals we meet all have their own unique stories, aspirations, and struggles.
The film's soundtrack has a mix of Greenlandic music contrasted with western music, which adds to the film's quality. In one of the scenes, we see the community united, playing a game of soccer with a rival village, and we see the positive influence of integration between different communities.
As the film comes to a close, the story's message becomes evident: that no matter where you are, community is everything. It is heartwarming to see the community come together to ensure their future and preserve their traditions while embracing modernity as well.
In conclusion, Village at the End of the World is an emotional and enlightening documentary that gives insight into the challenges of living in one of the world's harshest environments. The film's message of resilience, strength, and community is a powerful one that will resonate with viewers. It is beautifully shot, well-directed and will leave an imprinted memory of Niaqornat and its peaceful inhabitants.