International Sámi Film Institute – 2024 Annual Report

International Sámi Film Institute – 2024 Annual Report

 

Introduction:

Groundbreaking Sámi film premieres and international breakthroughs have marked 2024. Biru Unjárga – Føkkings Nesseby, the first Sámi youth film directed by Egil Pedersen, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

The ÁRRAN 360° project continued its unique journey with the 2.0 premiere as part of BODØ 2024, while the production of Árru, the first Sámi yoik musical directed by Elle Sofe Sara, commenced. Two major Sámi series, Heajastallan (The Wedding Party) and Oro jaska (Shut Up) were in production, with Oro jaska premiering on NRK, SVT, and YLE in November.

Success on Netflix and Continued Collaborations

The Sámi feature film Stolen/Stöld, directed by Elle Márjá Eira, had an outstanding premiere on Netflix in April. The film topped global viewership charts for three weeks, ranked among the top ten most-watched films in 49 countries, and reached over 20 million views in its first week.

The collaboration between ISFI and Netflix, established in 2022, continues with the Sámi Producer Lab in partnership with EAVE-Producers. In 2024/2025, eleven Sámi producers will participate in this program, which focuses on further developing Sámi film projects and strengthening their roles as producers.

Skills Development and Trainee Programs

ISFI has continued its ERASMUS+ project collaboration with Sámi oahpahusguovddáš (SOGSAK) and Kalix Folkhögskola, offering trainee placements on major film productions in the coming years. Trainees participated in the productions of Biru Unjárga, Oro jaska, and Árru, and this initiative will continue into 2025 with new productions. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Arctic Indigenous Film Fund and York University, ISFI offers a one-year screenwriting course, the Arctic Indigenous Screenwriting Workshop, with 12 participants.

International Screenings and Events

ISFI has hosted several film screenings and participated in industry discussions this year. At the Tromsø International Film Festival, we invited the film industry to Sámi Films Rising, where directors Egil Pedersen, Inga Elin Marakatt, Lisa Kristensen, and Suvi West presented their upcoming feature films.

In April, ISFI partnered with The Academy Museum in Los Angeles for Earth Day in Focus: Arctic Indigenous Films, where eight Sámi and Arctic Indigenous films were showcased. A filmmaker discussion and a reception for invited guests and partners in Los Angeles followed the screening.

ISFI also participated in the Cannes Film Festival, the Marché du Film panel discussion on Indigenous Storytelling: The Importance of Authenticity, and the Indigenous Perspectives on New Models for Co-Productions panel at the Toronto International Film Festival.

ISFI and the Indigenous Cinema Alliance

Together with our partners in the Indigenous Cinema Alliance (ICA), ISFI continues to work towards the visibility of Sámi and Indigenous films at major festivals and markets, including participation at European Film Market (EFM) and Berlinale. ICA serves as a vital network for Sámi and other Indigenous filmmakers and as a resource for capacity-building initiatives.

Funding Initiatives and New Opportunities

Through the Sámi Filmløft project, ISFI received NOK 10 million from Samfunnsløftet/SpareBank1 as a follow-up to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report. These funds have strengthened support for feature film and series productions and enabled further professional development initiatives for Sámi filmmakers.

In 2024, ISFI also launched a new application portal, streamlining our grant and reporting processes. The number of applications has increased significantly since 2019, with over 120 applications submitted in 2024 across all funding categories.

The Road Ahead

The Norwegian Parliament reviewed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report in 2024 and made the following decision in Resolution 206 on December 16, 2024:

“The Parliament requests the government, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to explore a national mandate for the International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI), with the aim of defining the main responsibility for the management and funding of the Sámi film sector.”

For the Truth and Reconciliation process to have a positive impact on the continued development of Sámi society, it is crucial that it leads to structural changes that ensure a financially sustainable Sámi future. ISFI has, therefore, initiated work towards a national mandate for Sámi films. ISFI and Sámi cinema can serve as a driving force in this important effort moving forward.

Anne Lajla Utsi, Managin Director,
International Sámi Film Institute.

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