In the Heart of the South Northern Lights

Trapped in the cold and dark of an Iqaluit snowstorm, two young Inuk girls brush up against something indescribable. Years later, in Toronto, Yura Ivala (Anna Lambe, True Detective), now an ambitious up-and-coming multimedia writer, dredges up this childhood trauma to vie for a lucrative movie deal. When the subject of her film pitch — her estranged friend Sesi (Zorga Qaunaq) — shows up unannounced on her doorstep, Yura’s deep-seated fears unravel into thunderous, blood-curdling visions. Has Sesi come to replace her? To take her life from her? To take her story?

The sophomore feature from co-writer and director Nyla Innuksuk (Slash/Back) reunites North of North stars Anna Lambe and Zorga Qaunaq for a propulsive psychological meta-thriller. Uncanny sleight of hand from editor Hugh Elchuk and a haunting score from throat-singing duo Piqsiq bring our leads’ spellbinding performances to chilling crescendos. With mordant wit and gutting pathos, In the Heart of the South carves deep into themes of representation, appropriation, and the exploitation of Indigenous pain in white-dominated screen industries.

Content Considerations: References to sexual abuse, references to institutional abuse (Indian residential schools), strong language, blood

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