“North of North” Brings Arctic Life to Netflix in Groundbreaking New Series
“North of North” on Netflix is set in the Arctic and follows Siaja, a young Inuk woman determined to build a new life after a very public departure from her marriage. Created by Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, both of whom have deep ties to the region, the series explores Siaja’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates life in her small Arctic town, Ice Cove, Nunavut, where the tight-knit community is always watching.
“North of North” Background
The idea for “North of North” emerged after Aglok MacDonald and Arnaquq-Baril had previously worked together on The Grizzlies. They were inspired to create something that would authentically represent their culture and communities. The series highlights Inuit traditions while exploring universal themes of reinvention, change, and identity.
The show is set in the fictional town of Ice Cove but filmed in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, a city of about 8,000 people. Both Aglok MacDonald and Arnaquq-Baril call the Arctic home, with Arnaquq-Baril being born and raised in Iqaluit. They wanted the series to reflect the real-life diversity of Inuit communities, capturing the different regional differences in language, fashion, and humor while avoiding a one-size-fits-all portrayal. The trailer dives into all of this and makes us so excited for the show!
“North of North” Premise and Cast
Siaja’s story begins with her feeling lost and uncertain as she makes a series of bold, life-changing decisions that don’t go as planned. Her struggles and public failures force her to rethink her approach to life and her future. As she attempts to find herself, the series explores themes of personal growth, resilience, and community.
The cast features Anna Lambe as Siaja, with other key roles played by Maika Harper, Jay Ryan, Braeden Clarke, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Zorga Qaunaq, and several others. The series was filmed in Iqaluit, which holds a special significance for Lambe, who grew up there. The support from her community was overwhelming, with many locals expressing their pride and excitement about the show’s portrayal of their culture.
The creative team behind “North of North” includes an all-BIPOC, female-led group of directors such as Anya Adams, Renuka Jeyapalan, Zoe Leigh Hopkins, and Danis Goulet, making it one of the standout series to champion diverse voices both in front of and behind the camera.
With eight episodes, “North of North” offers an authentic, heartfelt exploration of life in the Arctic, the challenges of forging a new path, and the strength found within community. It presents a unique perspective on Inuit culture while remaining relatable to anyone navigating life’s transitions. “North of North” premieres on Netflix on April 10.
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