Unsettled Film For Review
“When the ice is strong, Inuit are strong.”
In Nain, Nunatsiavut, the sea ice arrives later each year. Unsettled is an animated short film that explores how the community adapts to climate change through the eyes of Inuk fisherman and knowledge keeper Joey Angnatok, as he combines traditional ancestral wisdom with modern science to navigate an uncertain future in his Arctic home. Words and narration by Chaim Andersen, with reporting by Jenn Thornhill Verma and art by Kat Frick Miller.
Our team is excited to share the draft animation stage of Unsettled.
The purpose of this stage is to allow us to map out the artwork, animation movement and share the film for feedback before the final artwork is created.
A list of imagery and references is included below. We welcome feedback on any visual inaccuracies and other feedback.
Film Update - September 2025
Unsettled Draft Animation
Imagery and References
With the blessing of those involved, the animation incorporates meaningful details such as: stitchwork by celebrated Inuit Elder and artist Aunt Nellie Winters from Makkovik, imagery of a young Joey Angnatok, and a figure referenced from the cover of Avanimuit—a rare comprehensive account of Inuit life on Newfoundland and Labrador's far northern coast. Originally written by anthropologist Carol Brice-Bennett and expanded by Inuk archaeologist Lena Onalik and historical anthropologist Andrea Procter from St. John's, the book's cover shows a 1956 photograph of a woman carrying firewood across treeless tundra, fuel gathered through hours of coastal searching or distant walking. Chaim Andersen, a young Inuk mother and climate change leader, provides the narration that weaves these elements into a cohesive story, which was premised on reporting for The Globe and Mail. The film is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.
Opening - Ice formation in Nain and introduction to Joey Angnatok
Inukuluit embroidery by Elder Nellie Winters
Family Cabin
Underwater scene with ringed seal and arctic char fishing
Young Joey and Elder exploring hunting ground and checking ice thickness with harpoon
Seal hunting, cleaning and stretching sealskin
Sewing sealskin mittens
Joey at the rattle pulling mussels out of water
Joey returning to town
Northern lights
Sunrise with dogsled
Female figure reference to Avanimiut
Joey is at the ice station
Joey at Umiak I crossing
Pontoon bridge and skidoos
Child and family collecting berries
