A new film and television mentorship program based in Igloolik, Nunavut, has officially launched its training series, offering local residents a path to develop skills in media production. The Sanajiit (Makers) Film and TV Production Project released five documentary training episodes on IsumaTV on March 23, 2026, followed by a detailed producer’s manual on March 29, 2026.
The mentorship program is led by co-directors Carol Kunnuk and Gabriela Gamez, with Mark Jr Malliki serving as the camera operator. The training material consists of five episodes ranging between 52 and 56 minutes, designed to help guide the next generation of Inuit filmmakers. This initiative builds on the momentum of the Sanajiit/Inuit Makers documentary series, which was completed in 2025 and showcased the skills and crafts of Inuit people through a unique style of long-form, observational storytelling.
There is a growing need for local content creators as the demand for Inuktut-language programming increases. This demand is supported by the Nunavut Independent Television Network, which launched Uvagut TV, Canada’s first 24/7 Inuktut television channel, on January 20, 2025. The channel is available nationwide through mandatory distribution on all Canadian cable providers.
The project draws on the community’s decades of experience in film and video, including the legacy of the late Susan Avingaq. A dedicated contributor to the Isuma Collective since 1991, Avingaq served as the executive director of the Sanajiit project until her passing in 2024. Her extensive career included work on acclaimed productions such as Before Tomorrow and the Oscar-shortlisted film The Shaman’s Apprentice.
IsumaTV continues to serve as a hub for northern media, currently hosting more than 7,800 Indigenous videos in 70 languages. Residents interested in the program can find the training materials and further information through the Sanajiit project page.
