OPEN CALL: Directing Actors with Amanda Kernell

DEVELOP YOUR DIRECTING SKILLS WITH AMANDA KERNELL

The International Sámi Film Institute invites directors to a hands-on workshop with Amanda Kernell in Guovdageaidnu this November. Fresh from winning the Silver Shell for Best Director at the San Sebastián International Film Festival for Brace Your Heart, Kernell will share her approach to bringing scenes and performances to life.

Kernell is the writer and director of Brace Your Heart / Garrat du váimmu, her third feature film, following Sami Blood and Charter.  In this workshop, Kernell will share practical tools for directing actors, with a special focus on working with people who have never acted before.

Join this hands-on workshop with Amanda, where you will learn her approach to bringing scenes and performances to life.

Application deadline: 11 October 2026

APPLY NOW

What you will learn

Amanda Kernell is leading a three-day workshop on directing, with a special focus on working with non-actors: people who have never acted before. You will gain practical tools for scene analysis, preparation, casting and rehearsals. How do you bring a scene to life when it isn’t working? How do you help new actors feel safe and confident enough to take risks in front of the camera? Amanda will share her methods through hands-on work with actors, helping you expand your toolkit as a director.

Participants will ve working closely with actors on a film-set in ISFIs premises.

Criterias

For directors, and anyone preparing to direct. Places are limited. Applicants must have directed at least one short film, and those with more directing experience will be given priority. Each participant must bring one scene for two actors, either from a current project or a new idea they want to test.

Practical Information

The workshop takes place in Guovdageaidnu, from the 12 November through 14 November 2026. The workshop will mainly be in english. ISFI will arrange hotel accommodation. Participants must book their own travel and apply for travel support through the ISFI portal well in advance of the travels.

About Amanda Kernell

Amanda Kernell was born in 1986 in Umeå, Sweden. She is a trained Director of The National Film School of Denmark and has since 2006 made several award-winning short films. Sami Blood was her feature film debut. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2016 and has since then won over 30 awards. Charter (2020) was Amanda’s second feature film, and was selected as Sweden’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Her third feature, Brace Your Heart / Garrat du váimmu (2026), had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it was selected for the Platform Competition. Kernell won the Silver Shell for Best Director for the film at the 2026 San Sebastián International Film Festival.

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