Kalaallit: Portraits of Greenland

Kalaallit: Portraits of Greenland is a collection of short films and articles that explore how tradition shapes community life in Greenland. Through four portraits – of a dressmaker, two mask dancers, a kayaker, and a village host – we see how tradition is both preserved and evolving in the daily practices of locals. Together, these stories aim to capture the dynamic, expressive spirit of Greenlandic heritage, and how it is reflected in the modern day.

Sara-Marie is a dressmaker who creates and repairs kalaallisuut, the traditional Greenlandic dress. These cherished garments are passed down through generations and worn on life’s most meaningful occasions. Memory lives in the beautiful materials, colours, and techniques Sara-Marie learned by watching her grandmother. Her craft binds past and present, strengthening the ties of family and community.

Sisters Arnaq and Aviaaya carry forward the art of Greenlandic mask dancing, using movement, expression, and costumes to create performances that evoke visceral reactions. Rooted in ancestral ways of understanding the world, their dances purposefully provoke fear and discomfort. It was thought that by confronting these emotions in the safety of the performance, audiences would learn to face life’s challenges with greater resilience, especially within the wild landscapes of the Arctic.

A champion kayaker and kayak builder, Jacob-Peter dedicates his life to a sport and craft at the heart of Greenlandic heritage. Even the word ‘kayak’ in English originates from the Greenlandic – qajaq. He radiates pride when speaking of the tradition: learning it, mastering it, and sharing it with others. For him, kayaking embodies a profound harmony with the Arctic waters and landscape – a harmony bound within the meaning of kalaallit: ’people of the land’.

In her village, Arnaaraq-Batseba wears many hats. She is a member of the village council, health worker, and host of kaffemik, an open invitation to all to enjoy coffee, food, and conversation. Through her warm hospitality, Arnaaraq-Batseba helps to sustain the relationships that keep her small Arctic community close and connected. This is a rare glimpse into life in a remote Greenlandic village and the people who call it home.