The Arctic International Film Festival “Golden Raven” is an extraordinary film event taking place in Chukotka. The organisers try to promote contemporary cinematography in the region, show different ways of life, but also look for similarities to make the local audience better identify with individual heroes. The program also frequently includes films on environmental issues, dealing with matters related to indigenous culture, and local productions that grant young and talented filmmakers from the region a chance to be seen.
This year, the latest documentary by Maciej Cuske was invited to the festival. Awarded with the Golden Raven, “The Whale from Lorino” tells the story of people who live in one of the most inaccessible and hostile places on Earth – the Chukchi Peninsula. Separated from Alaska by a narrow strait, the Peninsula lies at the north-eastern tip of Eurasia, bordered by the Chukchi Sea and the Bering Sea. It is currently inhabited by Russians, Chukchi, and the Eskimo. The film shows how the ancient tradition of whale hunting brings together various members of the local community.
You can learn more about the festival here.