Sikumi (On the Ice) - Short Film Review

By Kjrsten Schindler

Sikumi (On the Ice) is a short film that was released at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and posted on YouTube in December 2010. Sikumi (On the Ice) was written and directed by Inupiaq filmmaker Andrew Okpeaha MacLean.  The film features three main characters: Brad Weyiuoanna playing Apuna; Tony Bryant playing Miqu; and Olemaun Rexford playing Taqi.  It was filmed on location, just outside Utqiagvik (FKA Barrow), Alaska, also known as Inuktitut in the Native Alaskan Inupiaq’s language.

Summary

Sikumi (On the Ice) is a story about Inuit hunters.  It starts with Apuna dog sledding and hunting seals on the icy northern tundra. However, instead of finding seals, he witnesses a murder through his binoculars.  He proceeds to go investigate the horror he just witnessed.

Why you should love this film

There are many reasons why I love this film - there’s dog sledding, a sense of uneasiness at times, a mysterious murder, and an ever-present anticipation for what’s to come.  I personally love murder mystery movies and shows.  Even though Sikumi (On the Ice) is not a ‘mystery’ film, it leaves the viewer perplexed over Taqi’s actions and decisions.

More about the director

As mentioned before, Andrew Okpeaha MacLean is a Native Alaskan Inupiaq filmmaker.  Originally from Utqiagvik, Alaska, he earned a Master of Fine Arts from New York University and has since moved back to Fairbanks, Alaska.  MacLean first entered into the 2005 Sundance Film Festival with his short film Seal Hunting For Dad. Sikumi (On The Ice) was MacLean’s first ever film written entirely in the Inupiaq language.  He presented the film 3 years later at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where he was awarded a Special Jury Prize.  The film has since been viewed at over 40 film festivals globally.  Through MacLean’s partnership with the Sundance Institute’s Film Program, Sikumi (On the Ice) will be presented as a feature-length film at the festival in January 2023.

You can (and should) watch Sikumi (On the Ice) for yourself here.