The first ever Sámi Yoik drama Árru, directed by Elle Sofe Sara, has been officially selected for the Panorama programme at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale).
“It feels big and almost unreal that Árru is having its premiere at the Berlinale” says director Elle Sofe Sara.
“So many people have put their hearts into this film, and now our firstborn is about to meet the world. I’m excited to see how audiences will receive it, after having lived in a bubble with it for so long,” says Sara.
Berlin International Film Festival is regarded as one of the major film festivals in the world, and the Panorama section is known for showcasing bold, contemporary cinema, and is a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
Anne Lajla Utsi, CEO of the International Sámi Film Institute adds:
“It is fantastic news that the first Sámi joik musical, Árru, directed by Elle Sofe Sara, has been selected for the Panorama programme at the Berlin International Film Festival. This marks a major milestone for Elle Sofe Sara, who makes her feature film debut at one of the world’s most important film arenas. The selection represents an inspiring moment for the Sámi film industry and demonstrates that Sámi cinema has a natural place on the largest international film stages.”
Also Variety has reported on Árru’s selection for the festival.
About Árru
Amid the breathtaking landscapes of Sápmi, reindeer herder Maia fights to protect her ancestral lands from a looming mining project. As protests rise, she turns to her charismatic uncle Lemme for help, but his presence reignites deep-buried traumas. Maia must choose: save the land at the cost of her family or surrender it to break the silence.
Director: Elle Sofe Sara | Writers: Johan Fasting, Elle Sofe Sara | Cast: Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska, Áyla Gáren Nutti, Simon Issát Marainen, Mikkel Gaup | Director of Photography: Cecilie Semec | Composer: John Erik Kaada | Editor: Michal Leszczylowski | Production Designer: Otto Lume | Produced by: Stær A.S (NO), Garagefilm International (SE), It’s Alive (FIN), Elle Sofe Company (Sápmi).
The film is financed by The International Sámi Film Institute, The Norwegian Film Institute, The Swedish Film Institute, Finnish Film Foundation, Arctic Film Norway, Sámediggi (NO), New Dawn, Eurimages, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, NRK, YLE, SVT, and Cadre Bord. With support from imagineNATIVE and Indigenous Cinema Alliance.
About the director
Elle Sofe Sara is a choreographer, director, and filmmaker from Guovdageaidnu, Sápmi / Norway. She creates innovative works that blend Sámi physicality, spirituality, and yoik across film and performance. She has created several award-winning short films and performances. In recent years, Sara has toured internationally with the performance The Answer Is Land produced by Elle Sofe Company, and created the yoik ballet Láhppon / Lost, commissioned by the Norwegian National ballet. Her debut feature film, Árru, is the world’s first Sámi yoik drama.
About Berlin International Film Festival
The festival will take place in Berlin, Germany, from February 12 to 22, 2026. The Berlinale is widely regarded as one of the major film festivals in the world, alongside Cannes, Venice, Sundance, and Toronto, and is the largest public film festival worldwide with around 300,000 tickets sold and tens of thousands of visitors and industry professionals attending each year.
For more information:
Anne Lajla Utsi
Managing Director / ISFI
+47 90755574
