Great film. I wasn’t aware that the Government of Canada, to better claim sovereignty in the North, forcibly relocated many Inuit families from Quebec to Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord in the 1950’s. I was appalled (but I guess I shouldnt be surprised) when the elders spoke of being dropped on the shoreline without any provision for food or housing. Of course the HBC and RCMP employees were well taken care. The documentary focuses on the people and politics involved in the creation of Nunavut. One of the people responsible was Tagak Curley who was “my” minister when I worked for Economic Development and Tourism in Yellowknife. And how lovely it was to hear the Inuktitut language.

Gore Vidal’s humour and insight in this documentary film had me laughing throughout the show. The scenes are interspersed with quotes from Vidal that really hit as true. The film uses footage from his many public appearances over the years and there are several conversations with the author. Even well into his eighties his wit hadn’t left him. When Pat and I visited the Amalfi Coast we speculated which villa might be his. Now that we know, we’ll be sure to spot it on our next trip! I know Dad read several of his books, and it is time I added a few to my reading list.

This movie was Afghanistan’s entry into the Best Foreign Language Film for the 2013 Oscars.  In Persia there is a legend that a magic stone exists. You can tell all your sorrows and secrets to this stone and, when the stone finally explodes, you will be free of all your suffering and worry. A young mother in a war torn-country is caring for her comatose husband. As the situation around her worsens she begins telling him of all the hurts and injuries she has endured during her life. When she reveals a deep, dark secret her “patience stone” finally explodes.