The Sámi Producer Lab has started
Published: 29.10.2024
The Sámi Producer Lab 2024/2025
The Sámi Producer Lab, created in partnership with Netflix, EAVE, and the International Sámi Film Institute, officially launched in early October 2024 with an in-person kick-off in Guovdageaidnu. This six-month program provides 11 selected Sámi film producers with an opportunity to advance their skills in project development and film industry practices.
Crucial in film production
International Sami Film Institute Managing Director Anne Lajla Utsi explains the importance of producers in the sámi film industry.
The Sámi film industry needs our own producers, because we need to ensure ownership to our Sámi films. Strong production companies are prerequisites for the future development of the Sámi film industry, says Anne Lajla Utsi.
Pursues Producing
Kati Eriksen is one of the participants in the Sámi Producer Lab. She previously produced and directed Ruoktojohka/ Home River (2023) and is now working on a follow-up documentary project about the Deatnu River Valley and the consequences of climate change.
At first, she wanted to make a short film. But after the kick-off week in October in the Sámi Producer Lab in Guovdageaidnu, she is motivated to make a longer film.
After my first film Home River, I felt that producing was the part I wanted to pursue. Attending this first week of the workshop has made me feel more secure. It has strengthened my commitment to producing. My strengths are in the bureaucracy, and I know how to apply for funding due to my previous work experience.
See our short talk with Kati here.
Explores the physical, spiritual, and emotional spaces in a home
Ole-Henrik Lifjell is also participating in the Sámi Producer Lab. He is working on a short documentary project about the traditional sámi turf house / gåetie.
It is about the traditional gåatie/home, and it focuses on the derhvie gåetie (lååvht gåetie) or a turf house. It explores the physical, spiritual and emotional spaces that exist within the physical space and which traditions we carry forward. It documents this development in our society more broadly and sees it in relation to a global understanding of what a home is.
See our short talk with Ole Henrik here.
The Sámi Producer Lab Experts
The experts in the Sámi Producer Lab include funding expert Petri Kemppinen, group leader Emile Hertling Péronard (Ánorâk Film / Polarama Greenland), script consultant Nayeem Mahbub, Head of studies Tamara Dawit (Gobez Media), and script consultants Sylvia Stevens. Click their names to see the tips these experts offer to filmmakers.
About the program
The Sámi Producer Lab is a collaboration between the International Sami Film Institute, Netflix, and EAVE, where the Sámi Film Producer will get six months of mentoring and training with the producer aspect in mind. The workshop started in Guovdageaidnu/Sápmi October 2024 and will continue with online courses in the next months.
The Sámi Producer Lab covers essential aspects of film production, including project development, financing, budgeting, and applications, as well as co-production, sales and distribution, and target audience analysis.
Additionally, participants will gain insights into company and business planning, equipping them with the tools needed to thrive in the film industry.
There will be group work, plenary sessions, and individual consultations. It will focus on real projects to produce tangible outcomes and have concrete case studies.
Read more about the program in the open call here.