About the Cast

Leah Angutimarik, who plays Apak, is a member of Artcirq and the Aqsiit Project, which offered circus training to young people. She has participated in youth training projects in art, dance and video. “The Journals of Knud Rasmussen” is her first appearance on screen. She is currently unemployed and lives with her family in Igloolik.

Pakak Innukshuk, who plays Avva, is a well-known carver and actor. He has played in the theater and several small film roles. He played Atanarjuat’s older brother in “Atanarjuat The Fast Runner.” He is currently unemployed and lives with his family in Igloolik.

Neeve Irngaut Uttak, who plays Orulu, has worked as a television host and producer of weekly programs on Igloolik’s local channel. She appeared in “Atanarjuat The Fast Runner;” and currently works as a postmaster for Canada Post and resides with her family in Igloolik.

Natar Ungalaq, who plays Nuqallaq, is a well-known carver, guide and actor. He played the title character in “Atanarjuat The Fast Runner;” and has had several other roles in major films, including “Kabloonak,” “Glory and Honor,” and “The Sleep Murders.” He has also worked as a television producer and director; and coordinated a training project for young people in film and television production. He is currently working as a producer with Inuit Broadcasting Corporation in Igloolik.

Samuelie Ammaq, who plays Umik, is a hunter and outdoor guide for polar bear hunts. He played the character Sigluk in “Atanarjuat The Fast Runner” and lived in an outpost camp for fifteen years until he moved to Igloolik with his family.

Peter Henry Arnatsiaq, who plays Natar, is a well-known hunter and actor. He played Oki, the jealous rival in “Atanarjuat The Fast Runner.” He also had a small role in "The Snow Walker." He lives in Igloolik and is currently acting in the new feature film “Before Tomorrow,” on location in Northern Quebec.

Abraham Ulayuruluk, who plays Evaluarjuk, is a hunter and a great storyteller and singer. He played the wicked shaman Tungajuaq in “Atanarjuat The Fast Runner.” Abraham is an elder who lives with his sons and grandchildren in Igloolik.

Jens Jørn Spottag, who plays Knud Rasmussen, worked extensively both as a stage player and director before appearing in films in the late eighties, including "Rami og Julie" (1988) and "En verden til forskel" (1989). In 1993 he was celebrated for his role in "Sort høst". He went on to star in the television series "Bryggeren" (1996). He has appeared in in "Silkevej" (2004) and the very succesfull "Kongekabale" (2004). He was featured in a new stage production of "Woyzeck," with music by Tom Waits that premiered in Copenhagen in 2001.

Kim Bodnia, who plays Peter Freuchen, is best known internationally for his leading role in Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Pusher” trilogy (1996-2005). He has been one of Denmark’s leading stage and screen actors since his breakthrough film "Nattevagten" (1984), which was later remade in Hollywood as "Nightwatch.” Bodnia has appeared in "Bleeder" (1999), "I kina spiser de hunde" (1999) and "Den gode strømer" (2004). This year, he appeared in Michael Knighton's UK production "Wicked" and Anders Morgenthaler's film “Ekko” for Zentropa Productions.

Jakob Cedergren, who plays Therkel Mathiassen, had a successful career on stage before breaking into the limelight in the television series “Edderkoppen" (2000). In 2003 he had major role in the feature film "Rembrandt.” Cedergren has also appeared in "Den blå munk" (1998) and "De grønne slagtere" (2003). In 2005 he can be seen in "Bag det stille ydre" and "Voksne mennesker". Most recently, he has appeared in “Forestillingen om et ukompliceret liv,” “Sprængfarlig Bombe,” “POP“ and “Offscreen.” He was named a European Shooting Star at this year's Berlin Festival.