Be Smile: The stories of two urban Inuit

A film by Robert S. Lewis, the author of "Gaj: The End of Religion".

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University of Ottawa
Friday March 28, 2008
Screening begins 19h30
Venue: MacDonald Hall Auditorium (MCD 146), 150 Louis Pasteur Street, Ottawa, Ontario

Inuit / 2007 / 78 minutes / English and Inuit, EST

Be Smile tells the stories of two Inuit men living an urban life in the aftermath of Canada's long history of attempts to unmake an ancient aboriginal culture. Drawing on the strong oral tradition of the Inuit people, the subjects of this documentary recount their stories of childhood hunting expeditions and a lost nomadic way of life, of sexual abuse and alcohol addiction, and of the Christian church's effects on the Inuit worldview. Their stories also reveal a wisdom and outlook that have persisted despite their devastating trials. In the face of all miseries, they resolve to "be smile."

Robert S. Lewis is the author of "Gaj: The End of Religion," www.endofreligion.com

Youtube Robert S. Lewis:
http://www.youtube.com/RobertSLewis

Movie Trailer:

Inuit participants: Isaac Augiak and Thomas Paru Weetaltuk

Director: Robert S. Lewis

Inuktitut to English translations: Thomas Paru Weetaltuk and Robert Lewis

Colour photographic inserts: Dian Naish and Ronald Lewis

Inuit throat singing and drumming: recorded by Jean Malaurie

“Pié jesu,” on Chants Sacré, released by EMI Classics: performed by Fauré

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