Annabella Piugattuk's remarkable journey to stardom began when she was unexpectedly discovered by casting director Jared Valentine in the remote town of Igloolik, Nunavut, after a two-week search for the perfect individual to portray Kanaalaq in the film, The Snow Walker.
Prior to her discovery, Valentine had auditioned over 100 Inuit women, but it wasn't until he attended a teen dance in Igloolik that he came across Annabella, who would ultimately win the coveted role.
The casting process was rigorous, with six potential candidates being flown to Vancouver for a screen test. Annabella's exceptional talent and unique qualities, however, ultimately secured her the part.
As one of the producers aptly noted, "Annabella is as un-Hollywood as an actress could be, and Hollywood is going to love her."
