Dead North 2019 Poster

Dead North Films Find Life in Reykjavik

News Type: 
Blog Entries

October 29, 2019 

A suite of films created around the NWT’s annual Dead North Film festival have made waves on the international stage even further north.

From September 24-October 4, 11 hits from the NWT’s festival screened at Iceland’s Reykjavik International Film Festival.

It’s a notable milestone for the annual circumpolar fantasy and horror show and the NWT’s burgeoning film sector.

Related: In the Dead of Winter, Dead North Rises Again 

The GNWT, through the ITI-supported NWT Film Commission, has been a regular sponsor and supporter of the Dead North event since its inception.

The fact that NWT films are finding new life long after the curtains close locally is good news, says Camilla MacEachern — the Northwest Territories’ Film Commissioner for the.  “It’s a sign that our industry is continuing to increase its footprint in the global film scene; and that our investments to have the work of NWT creators recognized at festivals is seeing returns.”

Dead North founder Jay Bulckaert is also excited to have the talent he’s seen firsthand make its way to new audiences.

“We give these folks some crazy deadlines and restrictions, and they come out with these amazing films that rival productions with a lot more resources behind them,” he says. “You see them from concept to final cut at the festival and it feels so good to then see a bunch of them fill seats at way bigger festivals. Huge bragging rights to them.”

Here’s the roster of Dead North Films that made their way North to Reykjavik.

  • Lily by Mitch Wiles
  • The Unloving by Ben McGregor
  • The Changeling by Outpost 31
  • Bearlord by Andrew Silke
  • Within the Stars by Razelle Benally/Amos Scott
  • Elisabet and Baltasar by Skógar Hneta/Melody Woodnut
  • Fireweed by Mason Mantla
  • Arm Plant by Martin Rehak
  • Dong Gone by Keating Smith/Jay Bulckaert
  • Hello Operator by Daniel Dahl
  • Bejede by Angela Code

As the run-up to another festival gets closer, it’s easy to get excited about the possibility of another year where Dead North films take on a life of their own.

“We’ve working on some exciting things that will offer NWT creators more chances to up their game,” MacEachern says. “Stay tuned.”

The NWT Film Commission delivers an investment strategy to foster a strong local film industry, while convincing more guest producers to choose the Northwest Territories. If you’re looking for support to make your film aspirations a reality, check out their programs and services and get in touch!