North of North creators talk filming in Nunavut: ‘like planning to shoot on the moon’
North of North showrunners Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril didn’t shy away from discussing the challenges they faced while bringing their show to life. The series, which debuted on CBC on Jan. 7, follows the story of Siaja, a young Inuk woman who publicly ends her marriage and navigates the complexities of life in a small Arctic town where secrets are hard to keep.
Creating a show that authentically captured the essence of life in Canada’s northernmost territory was paramount for Aglok MacDonald and Arnaquq-Baril. They wanted to showcase the warmth, vibrancy, and strong sense of community that characterizes Arctic life. However, filming in Nunavut presented unique logistical challenges, particularly when it came to constructing sets.
“We wanted to portray the Arctic as we experience it – bright, colorful, and community-centric,” Aglok MacDonald explained in an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner. “But filming in Nunavut meant that we had to do a lot of pre-preparation. We had to build sets in the South, break them down, transport them via plane to Iqaluit, and then set them up again.”
Arnaquq-Baril likened the experience to “planning to shoot on the moon,” emphasizing the extraordinary efforts required to bring their vision to life. Despite the obstacles, the show’s cast and crew worked tirelessly to ensure that the vibrant spirit of the Arctic shone through onscreen.
North of North is now available for streaming on CBC Gem and airs on CBC TV weekly at 9 p.m. ET. The series is set to launch on Netflix this spring, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the complexities and warmth of life in the Arctic.
