Stars of "True Detective," Anna Lambe and Zorga Qaunaq, are taking center stage once again in Nyla Innuksuk's gripping psychological thriller, "In the Heart of the South." This comes after their memorable leads in the acclaimed Inuk comedy "North of North," which streamed on Netflix, CBC, and APTN in Canada, earning high praise from critics and a much-anticipated second season renewal.
Having wrapped up their work on "In the Heart of the South," filmed in Hamilton, Ontario, and co-penned by Ryan Cavan, Lambe and Qaunaq reunite in a tale that delves deep into the psyche. The narrative pivots around Yura Ivalu (played by Lambe), an aspiring Inuk multimedia artist whose life spirals into chaos when her estranged childhood friend, Sesi Ilupaalik (Qaunaq), reappears after an extended absence. This reunion compels Yura to confront the traumatic past that has fueled her career and the identity she crafted as an escape route.
"In the Heart of the South" holds a deeply personal significance for Innuksuk, as she shares in a statement, "The story—a poignant exploration of power, authenticity, and survival—resonates with us all on some level. I'm thrilled to have brought it to life with such a talented ensemble of actors and creatives."
Joining Lambe and Qaunaq in this compelling cinema are Tara Nicodemo, Alexander Nunez, and Star Slade, the latter co-starring in another indie gem, "Nika & Madison," slated to premiere at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival. Producers Jennifer Kawaja and Laura Perlmutter helm the production, with Bruno Dube serving as executive producer. With an anticipated release in 2026, "In the Heart of the South" promises to captivate audiences worldwide.
Perlmutter of Sphere Media adds her own enthusiasm, stating, "It's exhilarating to witness Nyla's vision of this story come alive. She's an inspiring filmmaker, and we're honored to collaborate with her on this project. We're eager for viewers to experience this enthralling film."
Behind the camera, "In the Heart of the South," produced in conjunction with The Mixtape VR, boasts an impressive creative team, including Ann Tipper as director of photography, production designer Thea Hollatz, costume designer Sage Paul, and editor Hugh Elchuk. The film is backed by Canadian streamer Crave, CBC Films, various federal funding agencies, broadcasters, and tax credits, with Elevation Pictures handling its Canadian release.
Get ready for a cinematic journey that delves into the depths of the human psyche, as "In the Heart of the South" brings a tale of resilience, authenticity, and the intricate dance of past and present to life.
