OPEN CALL: The Silenced Voices

Published: 20.01.2026

OPEN CALL:

THE SILENCED VOICES

Jaskodahtton jienat

The Silenced Voices is the International Sámi Film Institute’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation process, grounded in the understanding that reconciliation requires truth-telling through lived experiences shared through culture.

For more than 150 years, Sámi communities across Sápmi have been shaped by assimilation policies whose consequences are still felt today. Through film, the initiative creates space for stories long unheard, carrying them forward as acts of memory, dialogue, and possibility.

The International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI) invites filmmakers and creative teams to apply to The Silenced Voices, a long-term film development and production initiative for fiction and documentary projects rooted in the lived experiences of assimilation across Sápmi. Through film, this initiative seeks to bring forward personal and collective stories that have been silenced.

Selected filmmakers will take part in a curated development programme combining workshops, mentorship, and development support, with the goal of developing and producing films that outline the experiences of assimilation policies in Sápmi. The program also opens up for training of 1-2 Impact producers together with mentors.

The project The Silenced Voices is a response to the Norwegian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, and aims to bring the reconciliation process into the public sphere, in Norway, across the Nordic region, and beyond. Through strong cinematic voices, ISFI wants to create spaces for reflection, dialogue, and reconciliation.

 

Application deadline:

February 8, 2026

 

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The programme supports the development of 10–15 films that explore the impacts of 150 years of assimilation policies across Sápmi. Projects may be documentary or fiction, short-format or feature-length, and can explore personal and collective stories from the past, present, and future, illuminating the consequences of these policies for Sámi communities and the wider society.

Selected filmmakers will take part in a curated development programme, including:

  • A kick of workshop, Guovdageaidnu, Norway, 15.-19. March, 2026
  • Personal follow-up and mentoring
  • Masterclasses with experienced filmmakers and industry professionals
  • The opportunity to develop a film within the initiative
  • Participation in an international impact campaign

GOALS

The Silenced Voices is built around three main areas:

Personal testimonies
To collect and convey stories from individuals and communities in Sápmi that are affected by assimilation policies.

Artistic interpretation
To support documentary and fiction projects that interpret, transform, and carry these stories forward through strong artistic vision and cinematic language.

Impact campaign
In collaboration with international experts – including Oscar-nominated impact producer Amber Morning Star Byars (Sugarcane) – the initiative will develop a targeted impact and outreach campaign. This includes public campaigns, curated screenings, community discussions, and dialogue forums beyond traditional film distribution.

 

CONFIRMED MENTORS

Amber Morning Star Byars (Sugarcane), Academy-nominated Impact Producer.

Alice Quinlan, Impact Producer, Red Owl.

Fabien Forsberg and Bård Kjøge Rønning, Antipode films, the Academy Award–winning production company (No Other Land).

Suvi West, writer and director (Homecoming – Máhccan).

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit the following and include:

  • A short motivation letter
  • A brief CV summary
  • Project logline
  • One-page project description

 

Application deadline is February 8, 2026.

 

The call is open to Sámi filmmakers and creative teams from across Sápmi with film ideas rooted in lived experiences of assimilation and its consequences, while also looking toward healing, continuity, and future possibilities. We welcome diverse artistic approaches, perspectives, and expressions, and encourage both emerging and established filmmakers to apply.

You can apply with a film project or to train as an Impact Producer through this project.

For questions about this project, please contact silja@isfi.no – Silja Somby, ISFI Film Commissioner.

ISFI will let you know by week 8 if you are invited to join this development program.

Information about travels to the workshop

Participants must apply for a travel grant to cover travel expenses to and from Guovdageaidnu through ISFI’s application portal. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel.

ISFI will provide hotel accommodation in Guovdageaidnu from Sunday to Thursday (15–19 March 2026). You do not need to book the hotel yourself or submit a separate application for accommodation.

Photo by Sophus Tromholt, c. 1882–83, Guovdageaidnu. University of Bergen Library / Marcus. For more information about the photo, please visit Marcus Special Collections.