

Based on a local legend and set in an unknown era, it deals with universal themes of love, possessiveness, family, jealousy and power. Beautifully shot, and acted by Inuit people, it portrays a time when people fought duels by taking turns to punch each other until one was unconscious, made love on the way to the caribou hunt, ate walrus meat and lit their igloos with seal-oil lamps.

Natar Ungalaaq
Atanarjuat
LeadSylvia Ivalu
Atuat
Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq
Oki
Lucy Tulugarjuk
Puja

Pakak Innuksuk
Amaqjuaq (as Pakkak Innushuk)
Madeline Ivalu
Panikpak
Pauloosie Qulitalik
Qulitalik / A shaman (as Paul Qulitalik)
Eugene Ipkarnak
Sauri, the chief
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Zacharias Kunuk's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
“Every frame feels alive. Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”