“Ainu Puri”: What Does it Mean to Live “the Ainu Way” Today?

From left, Fukunaga Takeshi, director of Ainu Puri, Amanai Motoki, and Amanai Shigeki on October 28, 2024. (© 2024 TIFF)

Shige going fishing with his son, Motoki, with a marep, a traditional Ainu fishing implement, in hand. (© 2024 Takeshi Fukunaga/Ainu Puri Production Committee)

Director Fukunaga together with Shige and his son during an interview. (© Watanabe Reiko)

Shige offering a prayer to the gods before he begins fishing with the marep. (© 2024 Takeshi Fukunaga/Ainu Puri Production Committee)

The salmon is killed with three blows to the head using a wooden pole called ipakikni. (© 2024 Takeshi Fukunaga/Ainu Puri Production Committee)

At the beginning of the documentary’s filming, Motoki is carefree and playful. (© 2024 Takeshi Fukunaga/Ainu Puri Production Committee)

Yoshiki, the youngest child, is held by Aika. By the end of the movie, he’s already walking. (© 2024 Takeshi Fukunaga/Ainu Puri Production Committee)

A deer brought down by Shige, who is a professional hunter. (© 2024 Takeshi Fukunaga/Ainu Puri Production Committee)

At the fishing site, Shige and his friends announce to the gods that they have made the inaw. (© 2024 Takeshi Fukunaga/Ainu Puri Production Committee)

Motoki holds up the fish he caught with his marep. (© 2024 Takeshi Fukunaga/Ainu Puri Production Committee)

(© 2024 Takeshi Fukunaga/Ainu Puri Production Committee.)

Community members take part in a ceremony. (© 2024 Takeshi Fukunaga/Ainu Puri Production Committee)

Fukunaga Takeshi, at left, with the Amanai family: Motoki, Shige, and Aika. (© Watanabe Reiko)