Greenland’s first encounter with film media
The year is 1921 and Greenland has its first royal visit. On board is a film camera, which is left behind in Nuuk, and it is used here until 1934. Just like all other places in the world when people were introduced to the moving picture, it was an experience of magic and wizardry. Up to 1950, the Greenland ship “Umanak” had a narrow-gauge film camera on board and thanks to dentist, Baaregaard’s, official dentist visits along the entire west coast, 8 mm films of American footage were shown, his own footage as well as some Mickey Mouse footage that he had brought along.
Everyone has to see and understand
Anyone could go down to the local notice board and see what was on the programme. If there was no Greenlandic explanation about the film, you could be certain that a summary or an explanation was given before the film started. In some towns, up to two films per week were shown. But Qaanaaq in northern Greenland received a minor reprimand from the Filmcentralen (Film Library) in 1971 as they showed one month’s ration of films in just 12 days. 77 degrees northwards there was tremendous enthusiasm for films early on! Around 1970, there were 50 viewing locations in towns and settlements, while four to five portable cinemas visited the smaller settlements.
- East Greenland saw its first film in 1930 during Knud Rasmussen’s filming of Palos Brudefærd (1934). The cast needed to know what they were involved in and, therefore, his secretary had to show a film.
- Over time several authorities selected “suitable films” for Greenland. The exception was during World War 2. Here, there was no connection to Denmark and plenty of new films came to Greenland from the USA. Later with the gradual advent of the television and, not least, the VHS in Greenland, the doors were opened up even more.
Greenlandic Favorites
Even though films from the great wide world were popular and attracted guests, the most popular films were those where something recognizable could be seen. The biggest hits were Palos Brudefærd (1934) and Qivittoq (1956), in which the Greenlandic nature and recognizability could be experienced with the Greenlandic language and the Greenlandic actors. The film, Qivittoq, also led to Greenland’s first film star and that was Niels Platou. Following the première in Denmark, he had 200 idol photos taken of himself which he could autograph and take home. That they would be devoured by fans was not what he had imagined!
Send films by airdrop
But it has not always been easy to get to see films in 1960s Greenland. The transportation of films was dependent on postal connections, field ice and changes in ships’ timetables. In 1964 when Uummannaq needed new films and could not continue showing the same films, Filmcentralen (Film Library) in Nuuk was assured via telegram that the films could easily be delivered by air drop without this damaging the films. The enquiry was unsuccessful, but the year after they tried to convince them again to send films via air drop! It’s not always easy when there are no roads – but a plan can be made for everything!
Story telling continues on screen
Greenlanders have always been eager storytellers and stories are told about everything from heroes and anti-heroes to horror and fun. And since new media is fun to play with, it has been obvious for the Greenlanders to continue storytelling in this way.
Popular themes on screen have, for example, kept to the already existing interest in the supernatural, which was given a new media initially by way of the 1990s horror literature and now with popular feature films. Another popular theme is also telling about Greenlanders’ way of life close to nature, told by film-makers who come from outside Greenland and are inspired, but also from local film-makers.
Many films and documentaries are made in and about Greenland today. We can expect to see many more made by Greenland and about Greenland. The interest locally and internationally in Greenland will certainly not get less and this is also reflected in the growing film industry in Greenland.
Our Watchlist: Top 5 Films About Greenland
What do you picture when you think of Greenland on screen? Ben Stiller standing in an empty airport? A drunken helicopter pilot sipping beer from a boot? Yep, you’re probably thinking of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the 2013 comedy adventure starring Ben Stiller. You’d be surprised how many tourists cite this film as part of their inspiration to travel to Greenland.
But – don’t be fooled! Although it’s a great movie and definitely worth a watch, the main character, Walter, only spends about 20 minutes in Greenland, in scenes which were actually not filmed in Greenland at all! Instead, Icelandic towns pass as Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. And, we know we’re biased, but this film really doesn’t do Greenland justice – Nuuk is actually much more charming than it appears in Walter Mitty!
But there are many films out there that put the real Greenland on screen, and which can be used as great inspiration for those thinking of travelling to Greenland, or even those who simply have a curiosity about the world’s largest island. Here are our top 5 picks of the best films about Greenland, produced by both Greenlandic and international talent.
1. Inuk (2010) | Adventure, Drama | Greenland/France
FInuk is a gritty and at times emotionally intense portrait of a young Greenlander who, after the loss of his father, becomes detached from the traditional ways of his people. Feeling lost within the urban landscape of the city of Nuuk, Inuk is sent to a foster home in the north of Greenland, where he is forced to reconnect with his painful past. A coming-of-age story that approaches many larger questions including the issue of cultural change, Inuk has won multiple awards for its direction, editing and cinematography.
How to watch it: Rent or buy on Blockbuster
2. Eksperimentet (2010) | Drama, History | Denmark
Eksperimentet, which translates as The Experiment, is based on a real life social experiment which occurred in the 1950s. In 1951, a group of young Greenlandic children were relocated to Denmark to be educated and brought up according to Danish culture. Some of these children were later returned to Greenland, where they lived in an orphanage and were intended to act as role models for the Greenlandic community. The Experiment follows Gert, the headmistress of the orphanage, and explores her internal conflict as she becomes aware of the personal and psychological costs to the children she cares for.
How to watch it: Stream on Filmstriben
3. Journey to Greenland (2016) | Comedy | France
Not all films about Greenland are doom and gloom! Journey to Greenland not only presents the lighter side of life in Greenland but also places the viewer in the tourists’ shoes – the perfect watch for prospective visitors to the country. This funny and enchanting film employs a documentary style and follows the ups and downs of two French actors who visit the settlement of Kullorsuaq and discover the warmth and charm of the local people.
How to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
4. The Village at the End of the World (2012) | Documentary, Comedy | UK
The Village At The End Of The World is one of two documentaries in our watchlist. It follows the fortune of Lars, who is the only teenager in the tiny settlement of Niaqornat in northern Greenland. The settlement is one of the few places left in Greenland where trade relies solely on the traditional industries of fishing and hunting. With a declining population, and residents increasingly leaving to seek work in bigger towns, there are worries that the settlement will eventually die out altogether, and the traditional ways of living with it. Despite its rather heavy subject matter, this award-winning documentary is surprisingly witty and ultimately feel-good – and definitely worth a watch.
How to watch it: Rent or buy on iTunes
How to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
5. Sumé: The Sound of a Revolution (2014) | Documentary, Biography, Music | Greenland
Our second documentary travels back in time to 1973 and the release of Greenlandic band Sumé’s debut album. This rock album was the first to be recorded in the Greenlandic language, and its political themes resonated deeply with the Greenlandic population at the time. The album is dubbed ‘the sound of a revolution’ since it is credited with setting into motion a revival of Greenlandic culture and identity, and paving the way for the home rule which was instated a few years later in 1979. The release of the movie rekindled this buzz among Greenlanders and was a huge event for Greenlandic society. Through interviews with the band members and other relevant participants, this award-winning film intertwines music, politics and history in an entertaining and moving fashion.
The Greenlandic film industry is thriving and has much more to offer beyond this list. Check out film.gl to keep up with new releases.
