Join our SÁMI STORYŽAT LAB and create the next Sámi short film wave!
Published: 13.08.2025
Join the SÁMI STORYŽAT LAB
and create the next Sámi short film wave!
Sámi Storyžat is an ambitious short film series that builds upon the success of 7 Sámi Stories short film series. The vision is to do a joint production of Sámi Storyžat in 2026!
In 2014, the groundbreaking project 7 Sámi Stories opened doors for many Sámi filmmakers worldwide. Today, all of the directors from 7 Sámi Stories have taken the step into directing feature films and drama series. Now, ISFI, in collaboration with Netflix and Tatino Films, invites new sámi filmmakers to join Sámi Storyžat Lab, a new short film development program for ten Sámi filmmakers with ten new short film ideas. The Sámi Storyžat Lab is inspired by the success of the 7 Sámi Stories.
A decade ago, 7 Sámi Stories took Elle Márjá Eira’s short film Iđitsilba, along with six other Sámi short films, to audiences worldwide far beyond Sápmi. Eira now returns to the Sámi Storyžat Lab as a mentor to inspire a new generation of Sámi film talents. Read our conversation with Elle Márjá Eira below!
The Sámi Storyžat Lab will give participants the chance to develop the script and work closely with professional mentors. In the development stage, you will start by writing your script in the Lab in close collaboration with the mentors. You can either apply as a script writer or as a team of script writers or producers, where you develop the project towards production. The vision is to do a joint production of Sámi Storyžat in 2026. Applications are open now and the deadline is approaching fast: Friday, August 15, 2025!
INTERVIEW:
Elle Márjá Eira on 7 Sámi Stories and the new Sámi Storyžat Lab
Elle Márjá Eira is a director, artist, producer, and composer from Guovdageaidnu (Sápmi). She recently directed the Netflix success Stolen in 2024. In 2014, in the early stages of her shooting career, she was a part of the 7 Sámi Stories, with Iđitsilba, her first time directing short film. Now she serves as a mentor in the Sámi Storyžat Lab and gives her reflections on 7 Sámi stories.
What was it like to be part of the project 7 Sámi Stories in 2014?
It was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot. We first filmed Sámi Bojá in the winter, then Iđitsilba in the autumn. I thought I’d be a little crazy, so I asked some very well-known actors to take part in the first short film I directed. I remember Sarakka Gaup (actor) and I were very nervous when we met them for the first time.
How did Iđitsilba come about?
I first heard about the ládjogáhppir hat from my mother, and I did not know anything about it. I began searching for information, which proved to be quite difficult. With help from the Sámi Parliament, we eventually found valuable material in their library.
Why did you join 7 Sámi Stories in 2013/2014?
I joined because Elle Sofe Sara asked if I could produce her short film Sámi Bojá. At the time, I had already started writing the script for Iđitsilba. When someone dropped out of the project, I was offered the spot with Iđitsilba as well — which meant I had two film projects in 7 SÁMI STORIES.
How was it to work with the same crew and produce seven short films together?
I learned a lot. We helped each other and worked closely together. It also meant we could speak Sámi during the filming, as almost the entire crew were Sámi filmmakers.
Most important lesson?
I learned from everything that went wrong, that was the most important part of the process for me.
What opportunities did 7 Sámi Stories open up for you?
I met my future collaborators, financiers, and became familiar with the film community. And of course, I had the opportunity to screen my films all over the world at various film festivals. Even today, they are asking to show both Iđitsilba and Sámi Bojá. I believe the two films together have been screened close to a thousand times at different venues and festivals, and they have also been broadcast on NRK1.
Advice for new filmmakers who want to make films?
Tell the stories that are closest to your heart.
Why should Sámi filmmakers join the Sámi Storyžat Lab?
It is fun to try to work together with professional filmmakers and experiment creatively. It’s never too late nor too early to start making films, but be warned, you might just get into it.
About Elle Márjá Eira
Elle Márjá Eira is a director, artist, producer, and composer from Guovdageaidnu (Sápmi), connected to reindeer herding district 26 Lákkonjárga. She directed the feature film STOLEN, which ranked Top 10 in 71 countries after its 2024 Netflix premiere, and episode 7 of NRK’s award-winning series MAKTA. Eira has also directed short films and video installations. She has composed and acted for Beaivváš Sámi Theatre, collaborated with composer Christophe Beck on The 12th Man, and exhibited works at the Venice and Kochi biennales. She frequently contributes music to film and tours internationally with her music. Photo by Marie Louise S. Hætta / Árvu.
Background of 7 SÁMI STORIES
In autumn 2013, ISFI gathered a group of Sámi filmmaking talents to Guovdageaidnu for a workshop to develop original short film ideas. The aim was to create many short films that could collaborate on financing, production, distribution, and press coverage. This collective approach allowed the group to achieve the same scale, professional crew, and media attention as a feature film, while also giving Sámi filmmakers a rare opportunity to work together at a high professional level. All the films used Sámi language or culture, were shot in Guovdageaidnu, and completed by autumn 2014. From Easter to September 2014, the productions took place at high speed, with post-production running right up to the Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF) in January 2015 — where the films premiered.
The 7 Sámi Stories (2014)
Ellos Sápmi (dor. Per Josef Idivuoma & Niillas A. Somby) – A rebellious political comedy about a Sámi awakening.
Edith og Aljosja (dir. Ann Holmgren) – A man and a woman must break the laws of nature to be together.
Iđitsilba (dir. Elle Márjá Eira) – A young woman’s fight to preserve a traditional hat, čoarvegahpir, she once inherited.
Áile ja áhkku (dir. Silja Somby) – Áile discovers her healing powers with the help of a mysterious old woman.
Hilbes biigá (dir. Marja Bål Nango) – Two teenage girls hitchhike away from their small village and face dangerous adventures.
Sámi bojá (dir. Elle Sofe Henriksen) – Mikkel, a young reindeer herder, struggles with loneliness and heavy thoughts.
Giksašuvvon ealli (dir. Egil Pedersen) – A young girl seeks help for her sick dog, but finds her family in deeper need.
Main photo from the short film Iđitsilba, photo by Johan Mathis Gaup.
Photo of Elle Márjá Eira by Marie Louise S. Hætta / Árvu.