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TIA AND PIUJUQ

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Oh gosh, what a beautiful film that explores the magical friendship between two girls from such different cultures - Tia, a Syrian refugee and Piujuq, an Inuk girl. We learn Tia's backstory through her interactions with her mother and dad and see how difficult it is for her to make new friends in her new surroundings. The story follows Tia's adventures once she discovered a portal that takes her to the Arctic where she meets Piujuq. This film is beautifully shot, combining wonderfully animated illustrations at times and shots of the arctic landscape at other times. The heartwarming storyline is exquisitely told and holds the viewer's attention as one adventure follows another. I applaud all the actors, but especially Tia Bashra who plays Tia. I highly recommend this for KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals, give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 15. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror.

Tia is a 10-year-old girl Syrian refugee who has recently moved to Montreal with her parents. With her father taking classes and her sick mother confined to her bed, summer moves by slowly for Tia, who struggles to make new friends. Her summer changes when she finds a magic portal that transports her to the arctic tundra. Here she befriends Piujuq, an Inuk girl of her age, camping with her grandmother. She starts making frequent trips, becoming more confident through her adventures until strange things begin to occur, as if a mysterious force is following her. When something or someone threatens Tia's return, the girls immerse themselves in a world of Inuit myth and magic, using all their bravery and smarts to bring Tia home.