Nanook of the North

Nanook of the North is a silent documentary filmed and produced by Robert J. Flaherty which follows the everyday lives of an Inuit family in the Canadian Arctic. Set in northern Quebec, the film stars Nanook, his wife Nyla, and their children as they undertake day-to-day tasks that require fortitude and perseverance in order to survive the frozen wilds of the North.

Some of the most popular scenes include the building of an igloo, visiting the local trading post, and hunting a walrus. The igloo construction demonstrates the need for community and the importance of cohesion, as Nanook and his family work together.

The visit to the trading post shows the contrast between Inuit culture and the Western world, as Nanook brings furs and skins to exchange for goods such as a gramophone. The ultimate demonstration of Inuit culture is captured in the riveting walrus-hunting scene, which brings to life the challenges faced by this snow-bound people.