LONG WAY NORTH tells the story of 14-year-old Russian artistocrat Sacha. As a royal in the 1800s, she is expected to conform to rules of propriety: get married, rule the kingdom, etc. But Sacha’s spirit takes her on a different course. She decides to embark on a journey to find her grandfather who, years before, set off on an Arctic expedition and never returned.
It isn’t easy but soon Sacha is able to find a crew to join her on her mission. Inspired by the expeditions of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, director Rémi Chayé builds a treacherous journey that takes the audience through stunning landscapes and vistas.
The film’s striking animation uses bold colors and movement that is particularly effective during action sequences. For Chayé, the film is the best of two worlds: “Artistically […] animation is an interesting medium. I like the fact that you have the same tools at your disposal as when you’re painting, which enables you to express emotions through the way you paint a sky for example, plus the tools of cinema. [That] combination is really powerful.”
Ultimately, the film is a powerful and empowering experience, especially for young girls who, until recently, have had few narrative options outside the love story or make-over film. Ultimately, Sacha’s rebelliousness turns into admirable strength as she forges a new path figuratively and literally.
— Diana Martinez, Film Streams Education Director
