Nuummioq

Colour, 35 mm
Denmark, 2010, 98 min
EP – European premiere
Section: Forum of Independents

Synopsis

For ruggedly attractive, 35-year-old carpenter Malik, life in Greenland’s small capital Nuuk is routinely uneventful – when he’s not working and chatting to casual acquaintances, he’s mostly larking about with his cousin Mikael and rotund buddy Carsten – hunting, drinking in the bar and playing billiards. Malik’s humdrum existence is turned upside down, however, when he is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, and he has to decide whether to leave for Denmark to receive medical care, or stay in Nuuk to be with his family and friends – and with the girl who might be The One. This first ever Greenlandic film production arose from the need to show that the northern island is more than just an appealing location for foreign film crews. The stunning landscapes nevertheless also play a significant role in this low-key but emotionally compelling story of the spiritual journey undertaken by the hero to come to terms with his family’s past and find inner peace.

About the director

Otto Rosing (b. 1967, Ilullissat, Greenland) grew up in Greenland but he is currently living and working in Copenhagen. He began as an assistant director and production assistant; Nuummioq is his feature debut as a director. Rosing also directed the documentary The Eternal Flight about prominent Greenlandic artist Jens Rosing. Torben Bech is a Danish director and self-taught screenwriter. He has been writing and directing documentaries and short films since 1996. Nuummioq is also his first feature film.