Walking on Air by Jennie Kermode
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Ithaqua Photo: courtesy of the Warrior Agency
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The journey of creating a cinematic vision is rarely a straight line, often twisting through unexpected challenges and long stretches of creative obsession. For the director behind Ithaqua, this path was anything but simple. It is a tale of haunted history, personal fascination, and the relentless grind of filmmaking.
When discussing the project, the director spoke of three main sources of excitement: the return of the Hammer horror aesthetic, a lifelong fascination with themes like the wendigo, and the sheer pride of having brought the vision to life. But before diving into the creative process, the foundational question remains: where did this ambitious project begin?
The genesis of Ithaqua was sparked not by a single moment, but by a persistent challenge. Back in 2011, a friend inspired the director, blessing or cursing him with the idea to create something that ventured far north. This initial spark set off a marathon effort that spanned more than a decade.
It took two years just to develop the initial draft, followed by another ten years dedicated to the arduous process of actually bringing the movie to the screen. This developmental period was marked by countless false starts, dramatic shifts in funding, and the constant ebb and flow of financial uncertainty.
Despite the turbulence, the commitment remained absolute. The dedication required to navigate those long years and overcome the hurdles—including dealing with the inevitable financial setbacks—speaks volumes about the depth of the creator’s passion. It is a testament to the belief that some visions are worth fighting for, even when the road is long and winding.