Eight Arctic Indigenous Filmmakers Selected for the Witness Film Training and Mentorship Program

Eight Arctic Indigenous Filmmakers Selected for the Witness Film Training and Mentorship Program

The Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF) and the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) have announced the selection of eight talented Arctic Indigenous filmmakers for the third annual Witness Film Training and Mentorship Program. This groundbreaking initiative empowers filmmakers from Arctic communities, providing them with the tools and mentorship to create compelling short films that spotlight the urgent impacts of climate change.

Witness offers a unique platform for Arctic Indigenous storytellers, and this year’s cohort blends fresh talent with past participants. Four directors have been paired with returning producers to bring projects that showcase the rich diversity and cultural narratives of the region. Among the talents in this third edition are two Sámi filmmakers: director Aslak Paltto and producer Sara Beate Eira.

The selected projects

Sukkaillutit Uqaruk / Say It Slowly
Director: Ashley Qilavaq-Savard (Inuk, Iqaluit)
Producer: Sara Beate Eira (Sámi, Norway Sápmi)

Untitled [Hide Tanning]
Director: Brittany Woods-Orrison (Koyukon Dené, Alaska)
Producer: Sadetło Scott (Tłı̨chǫ Dené, Yellowknife)

Untitled [Reindeer Herding]
Director: Aslak Paltto (Sámi, Finland Sápmi)
Producer: Marc Fussing Rosbach (Inuk, Greenland)

Waking up Sassumap Arnaa (Mother of the Sea)
Director: Arina Kleist (Inuk, Greenland)
Producer: Princess Daazhraii Johnson (Neets’aii Gwich’in, Alaska)

Read more about Witness 2025 Film Training and Mentorship Program at AIFF.

What is AIFF? The Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF) is a film fund dedicated to films and filmmakers with Arctic Indigenous origins. The Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF) was launched in 2018 by Sundance Institute, Canada Media Fund, ISFI, Nunavut Film Corporation, Film Greenland and Sakha Film. Read more about AIFF here.