THIS WEEK: SÁMI CINEMA IN FOCUS AT NORDIC FILM DAYS LÜBECK

Sámi cinema in focus at Nordic Film Days Lübeck

Lübeck presents new Sámi films, immersive ÁRRAN360 experiences, a journey through Sámi film history and an honorary award for ISFI Director Anne Lajla Utsi. Sámi cinema will have a prominent presence at the 68th Nordic Film Days Lübeck in Germany, taking place from 4–8 November 2026.

Utsi will receive the festival’s Honorary Award during the opening ceremony on Wednesday, 4 November, recognising her contribution to Sámi filmmaking and her work as an international ambassador for Indigenous cinema. Director Nils Gaup will deliver the honorary speech.

“Anne Lajla Utsi embodies the values and vision of the Nordic Film Days like no other. She is the driving force giving Sámi cinema a strong, independent voice on the world stage. Her commitment is invaluable to cultural diversity onscreen. With her political and curatorial work, she creates visibility and empowers new voices. Her focus on authentic storytelling is setting the tone for the future of Nordic cinema,” said Hanna Reifgerst, Artistic Director of the Nordic Film Days Lübeck, when the award was announced on 7 May.

The festival’s focus on Sápmi brings together new work and landmark films in Lübeck, with filmmakers and guests joining audiences in Lübeck to celebrate Sámi cinema.

New films in the Narrative Competition

This year’s Narrative Competition includes Brace Your Heart (Garrat Du Váimmu, 2026), directed by Amanda Kernell, and Árru (2026), directed by Elle Sofe Sara. Kernell will attend with both her new film Brace Your Heart and Sámi Blood (2016), which screens as part of Utsi’s Homage programme. In the industry part of the festival, Oscar Östergren Njajta will present his animation project Saajve as part of Future North Talents 2026, receiving feedback from industry experts and the audience.

Five films spanning almost four decades

Alongside the award, the festival presents a Homage programme personally curated by Utsi. Her selection brings together five films reflecting different generations, perspectives and artistic approaches within Sámi cinema:

• Pathfinder (1987), directed by Nils Gaup
• Sámi Blood (2016), directed by Amanda Kernell
• Rádji (2021), directed by John Erling Utsi and Georg Götmark
• Je’vida (2023), directed by Katja Gauriloff
• Homecoming (2023), directed by Suvi West

Nils Gaup will also attend the festival to present Pathfinder.

ÁRRAN360: Sámi stories in 360°

The festival will also present five ÁRRAN360 films in the InfiniteDome, inviting audiences to experience Sámi storytelling through 360-degree filmmaking:

• Eadni | Mother (2022), directed by Liselotte Wajstedt
• Eallu – Girdnu | Reindeer Corral (2022), directed by Elle Márjá Eira
• In My Hand (2025), directed by Marja Helander and Liselotte Wajstedt
• Muohtačalmmit | Snowflake (2022), directed by Hans Pieski
• Ovias (2022), directed by Ann Holmgren Aurebekk

Explore Sámi cinema across generations

Together, the Homage and the new films in competition offer audiences an opportunity to explore Sámi cinema across generations, and to meet some of the people bringing these stories to the screen.

Explore the programme and screening times on the Nordic Film Days Lübeck website (link).