Maïna (2013)

A Canadian aboriginal woman journeys to the Arctic in search of a missing member of her tribe, and falls in love with a man from a rival clan.

Director:

Michel Poulette

Writers:

Pierre Billon, Dominique Demers (novel)

Stars:

Roseanne Supernault, Ipeelie Ootoova, Uapshkuss Thernish

4 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Roseanne Supernault	...	Maïna
Ipeelie Ootoova	...	Natak (as Ipellie Ootoova)
Uapshkuss Thernish	...	Nipki (as Uapeshkuss Thernish)
Eric Schweig	...	Quujuuq
Graham Greene	...	Mishta-Napeu
Tantoo Cardinal	...	Tekahera
Flint Eagle	...	Saitu
Peter Miller	...	Manutabi
Natar Ungalaaq	...	Tadlo
Lamech Kadloo	...	Ootek
Annie Galipeau	...	Natau
Jean-Louis Fontaine	...	Atetshi
Stuart Myiow Jr.	...	Quito (as Stuart Jr. Myiow)
Pakak Innuksuk	...	Merkusaq
Paul-André Brasseur	...	Young Inuk

Storyline

Maïna is the daughter of the Innu Chief Mishte-nape, who witnesses a bloody clash between their clan and the clan of "Men of the Land Without Trees." Following this unsolicited confrontation, Maïna chooses a mission that will change her life. To fulfill the promise that she made to her friend Matsii on her deathbed, she embarks on the trail of their enemies to rescue Nipki, her friend's 11-year old boy that the Inuit have captured. But she is also taken as a prisoner by Natak, the leader of the Inuit group, and forcibly taken to the Land Without Trees.

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Plot Keywords:

inuit | innu | 

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Taglines:

Under the ice is the fire.

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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

This film marks actor Graham Greene's 125 career credit.

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Quotes

Maïna: I haven't had my first bleeding! Men can't touch me. You are no exception!
[to Saitu]

User Reviews

A surprise indeed !

The action takes place in Northern Québec. The Innu (Indians of the north shore of the Bay of St. Lawrence) are in constant competition against the Inuit (Eskimos of the far north) and against a harsh nature, before the arrival of the first Europeans. The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking and the splendid photography does them justice. I won't reveal the nature of the action, which is touching and yet suspenseful but I will say that the author of the original novel must have been quite familiar with the mores and habits of both groups. Kudos to the director. The actors, most of whom are amateurs, are also quite competent. I have rarely been so captivated by a film, an absolutely riveting 'must-see'. You won't regret watching it and you will at least understand why the first Frenchmen to come here, Jacques Cartier in 1534 and Samuel De Champlain in 1608, decided to stay instead of going further down south.

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

Inuktitut Montagnais English

Release Date:

1 October 2013 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Майна

Filming Locations:

Quebec, Canada

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Color:

Color