Three New Sámi Films Receive Production Grants

ISFI Grants 1.4 MNOK to Three Productions

Two short films and one documentary received production grants totaling 1.4 MNOK in the second application round of this year.


ČIEŽA ČÁHPPES CIZÁŽA 

Documentary / Production company: Govas Film AS  / Writer: Harry Johansen / Director: Harry Johansen / Granted: 300.000 NOK

What happens when Åsta Jensen, a Sami who is analphabet, tries to teach another Sami, Jon Rønningen, who knows nothing about the Sami language? In the film, we embark on a journey to uncover the key to the Sami language. During the journey, we also come across the consequences of Norway’s strict assimilation policies.


VIELLE

Short film  / Production company: TV Klipp AS / Producer: Camilla Drege Arntsen, Leammuid Biret Rávdná / Writer: Ole Henrik Lifjell / Director: Camilla Drege Arntsen / Granted: 500.000

Vielle is a short film about suicide, but it also delves into language, cultural differences, racism, understanding, friendship, romance, family dynamics, favoritism, talent, illness, expectations, prejudices, hatred, ‘being born to,’ love, and masculinity.


VIELLJAŽAGAID IEŽASKA JÁHKKU / BROTHERS OF FAITH

Short film  / Production company: Forest People / Producers: Per Josef Idivuoma, Libby Hakaraia,
Mathis Ståle Mathisen / Writer: Per Josef Idivuoma  / Director: Per Josef Idivuoma  / Granted: 600.000

Two brothers struggle to be themselves, and the confining walls of a colonialist boarding school don’t make it any easier. A short film about the reality of children’s lives at a boarding school in the 1960s. A true story about the brothers Niillas and Ande Somby.


More about Production grants

The production grant aims to secure the best possible quality of the film project. The grant is given to stimulate films in the Sami language and strengthen Sami filmmakers and producers.

Application deadlines for production grants are February 1st, May 1st, September 1st and December 1st.