SXSW gives voice to filmmakers from around the world. This year’s festival hosts the world premiere of Slash/Back,a film set in Pangnirtung, Nunavut in the Arctic Circle. Directed by Nyla Innuksuk, Slash/Back is the story of a group of girls on the brink of adolescence who have to save their town from a mysterious entity taking over the inhabitants of Pang. Are shapeshifters or aliens to blame? With the adults preoccupied with the Solstice dance, it is up to Maika and her crew to take action. An intriguing story and engaging characters drive this coming of age story of culture, bravery, and friendship.
The film is centered around the children of Pang. The adults are mainly in the backdrop as it is apparent these kids will have to rely on each other throughout the film. Maika (Tasiana Shirley) is fed up with small town life and Inuit culture. In a fit of rebellion, she takes her father’s boat and sails across the island with her friends in tow. Their getaway is almost successful until they are attacked by a polar bear who seems possessed by something else. This sparks a chain of events that brings a mysterious evil to their town.
Innuksuk creates strong characters. Maika, Uki (Nalajoss Ellsworth), Jesse (Alexis Wolfe), and Leena (Chelsea Prusky) are no strangers to the strife of girlhood and growing up. Their friendships are not perfect and they are not the typical portrait of the best friends seen in coming of age films. The characters have layers and demonstrate their strengths in their own individual ways showing how there are different ways to establish their unique voices. Shirley, Ellsworth, Wolfe, and Prusky share a powerful dynamic that adds to the development of characters that will resonate with audiences.
Slash/Back features action and young girls taking command of the situation. The film is fun and uses excellent creature effects to create a new kind of monster.
Slash/Back is making its world premiere at SXSW March 13
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