Film Premiere: A Tale of Two Qallunaat

The Department of History welcomes students, faculty and staff to the premiere of A Tale of Two Qallunaat, a documentary film by Lakehead professor Kelly Saxberg at the 21st annual Vox Popular Film Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. at Definitely Superior Art Gallery, 115 Cumberland St. N., Thunder Bay.

This 48-minute moving film, narrated by Martha Flaherty, tells the story of two women artists from Thunder Bay—Sheila Burnford and Susan Ross—who travelled to Pond Inlet in the early 1970s. Through their writings, film footage, and hundreds of sketches, they left a lasting artistic and cultural legacy in the Arctic. The documentary revisits these works in the spirit of reconciliation, weaving together the voices of Elders and youth, and exploring deep family connections to Robert Flaherty’s Nanook of the North.

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with producer, cinematographer and editor, Kelly Saxberg.

Watch the trailer here: Vimeo Trailer

Event Details:

• What: Premiere of A Tale of Two Qallunaat + Q&A with Kelly Saxberg
• When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 – 7:00 pm
• Where: Definitely Superior Art Gallery, 115 Cumberland St. N., Thunder Bay

We encourage you to attend this premiere and take part in an evening of film, history, and community connection.

See the film's 1-pager here - 2Q_OnePage.pdf

See the full media release here - A Tale of Two Qallunaat_PremiereVOX_PressRelease.pdf