READ ISFIS ANNUAL REPORT 2025

International Sámi Film Institute – Annual Report 2025

 

The 2025 Annual Report reflects a year of high activity, clear results, and strategically important breakthroughs for the International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI). Through the targeted management of funding schemes, a strong focus on artistic quality, extensive competence and talent development, active filmpromotion, and strengthened international collaboration, ISFI has contributed to consolidating and further advancing Sámi film as a powerful artistic, cultural, and societal expression, in Sápmi, nationally, and internationally.

The year 2025 confirms ISFI’s central and indispensable role in the development of the Sámi film sector. The high number of applications and the broad level of activity across all parts of the value chain demonstrate a rapidly growing Sámi film field. At the same time, this growth highlights an increasing need for capacity, predictability, and strengthened administrative resources within ISFI. In parallel, Sámi films and series achieved historically high international visibility and recognition in 2025, clearly demonstrating the quality, relevance, and impact of Sámi cinema.

Advancing a national mandate for Sámi film has been a key strategic priority throughout the year. The organizational development and scaling process initiated by ISFI is essential to ensure the institute’s ability to manage such a mandate in a professional, administrative, and sustainable manner. With more than 15 years of experience, strong professional expertise, and an extensive international network, ISFI is well positioned to take on a strengthened national responsibility, including the primary role in financing and administering Sámi film in the years to come.

At the same time, the development of Sámi film must be understood within a broader societal context. Sámi film narratives play an important role in the work of truth and reconciliation. Film creates space for diverse and important Sámi perspectives. Film serves as an important arena for dialogue, reflection, and knowledge sharing, both within Sápmi and with international audiences.

As ISFI enters 2026, the institute will prioritize further consolidation of the organization, strengthening administrative capacity, and developing strategic initiatives within feature films, television series, competence and talent development, and international partnerships. At the same time, ISFI will continue to work to ensure equl framework conditions for Sámi film, and to support Sámi filmmakers in having genuine narrative self-determination and access to national and global markets.

The year 2025 therefore marks not only a year of strong results, but also an important turning point. With a national mandate for the primary financing and administration of Sámi film, clear strategic goals, and a vibrant and ambitious Sámi film community, ISFI looks ahead with both responsibility and optimism – toward a strong, visible, and sustainable future for Sámi cinema.

Guovdageaidnu, 26 February 2026

Anne Lajla Utsi
Managing Director
International Sámi Film Institute

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