Alan Zweig's There is a House Here, a TVO Original documentary exploring the realities of Inuit life in Nunavut, makes its world broadcast premiere December 13 at 9 pm

TORONTO, Nov. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - TVO Original documentary There is a House Here makes its World Broadcast Premiere on Wednesday, December 13 at 9 pm on TVO. Produced in association with Primitive Entertainment and directed by award-winning filmmaker Alan Zweig, the feature film navigates issues of culture and identity as Zweig travels to Nunavut to learn from its citizens and explore their culture. It is available for streaming on tvo.org starting December 14.

"There is a House Here is a beautiful and honest film that will challenge perceptions of Canada's North," says John Ferri, TVO Vice President, Current Affairs and Documentaries. "TVO Original documentaries are meant to be thought-provoking, in-depth and relevant. There is a House Here is all of those things." 

There is a House Here is the result of years of correspondence between Zweig and Inuk rock singer Tatanniq Idlout, a.k.a. Lucie Idlout. When Zweig hears Idlout compare living conditions in the North to the Third World, Zweig is shocked and sets out to experience part of Northern Canada for himself. In the beginning, his visit doesn't go quite as he expects - he is even asked to leave a home at one point. Zweig's earnest questions are first viewed with suspicion, as his interviewees see him as another outsider looking to exploit them. Over time, with Idlout acting as guide, the people Zweig encounters begin to open up about the hardships they have experienced and about the enduring and rich culture that connects them. The hopeful resilience of a community becomes apparent, wrapping very real, heart-wrenching stories of suicide, residential schools, poverty, substance abuse and lack of affordable housing.

Earlier this fall, Alan Zweig and Tatanniq Idlout talked about what they learned in making There is a House Here as guests on TVO's The Agenda with Steve Paikin. People can stream this episode on tvo.org anytime to learn about the ups and downs of their collaboration, and what they hope people will take away from watching the film.

There is a House Here also repeats on TVO Wednesday December 13 at midnight, Saturday December 16 at 10:30 pm and 3 am, and Sunday December 17 at 9 pm and 2 am.

About TVO
As the technological extension of Ontario's public education system, TVO's vision is to create a better world through the power of learning. TVO provides learning opportunities for Ontarians through innovative educational products, in-depth current affairs, thought-provoking documentaries, and award-winning TVOkids resources both inside and outside the classroom. TVO is funded primarily by the Province of Ontario and is a registered charity supported by sponsors and thousands of donors. For more information, visit tvo.org.

Where to find TVO

SOURCE TVO