Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary film directed by Mark Kenneth Woods and Michael Yerxa. This film explores the complexities and contradictions of queer life in Inuit communities in the Arctic, specifically in Nunavut, Canada. The movie begins with interviews of various Inuit people who recount their experiences growing up in a culture that is both deeply traditional and rapidly modernizing. They discuss the ways in which their sexuality and gender identity are often seen as taboo or shameful, in contrast to the acceptance and joy that they find in their relationships with others of the same sex or gender.
Throughout the film, we see the stories of two different couples. The first couple, Jack and Peter, are two Inuit men who have been in a loving and committed relationship for over 30 years. They discuss their experiences with homophobia and discrimination in the past, and how they have found a sense of acceptance and community through their activism and involvement in the local queer community.
The second couple, Alethea and Eva, are two young Inuit women who are just beginning to explore their own sexual identities. They discuss the challenges they face in a culture that often seems to view their queerness as a threat to the traditional values and way of life of their community. They also discuss the ways in which they have found love and support within their own families, despite the challenges they face.
Throughout the movie, we see footage of traditional Inuit practices and ceremonies, such as hunting and drumming, as well as more modern aspects of life in Nunavut, such as life in a small town and the importance of social media and online communities. We also see interviews with a variety of activists, academics, and other community members who discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with being queer in Inuit society.
One of the key themes of the film is the idea of balancing tradition and modernity. Many of the people interviewed discuss the importance of maintaining a strong connection to traditional Inuit culture and values, while also embracing the changes and advancements that come with modern life. They talk about the challenges of finding a balance between these two worlds, and the unique challenges that queer people face in doing so.
Another major theme of the movie is the idea of resilience and resistance. Despite the challenges and discrimination they face, the people of the Nunavut queer community are strong, proud, and committed to creating change in their community. They discuss the ways in which they use their voices and their art to effect change, and the importance of activism and community building in helping queer Inuit people to thrive.
Overall, Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things is a powerful and moving documentary that explores the intersection of tradition and queerness in Inuit society. Through the stories of Jack, Peter, Alethea, Eva, and many others, we gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by queer Inuit people, and the ways in which they are creating change and resisting injustice in their communities.
