Category: Yleinen

Árru with World Premiere at Berlin International Film Festival 2026

Posted on by Essi Pulju

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.

Elle Sofe Sara.
Director & coreographer Elle Sofe Sara. Photo: Ánne Kátjá Gaup.

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

Applications Open for Autumn 2026: Master’s Programme in Arctic Indigenous Cinema

Posted on by Essi Pulju

The University of Lapland is now accepting applications for the Master’s Programme in Arctic Indigenous Cinema (AIC) starting in autumn 2026. The application period is open until 21 January (by 3 pm EET).

The two-year programme is designed to strengthen Indigenous-led storytelling by combining Indigenous narrative traditions with contemporary film and media practices. The curriculum explores storytelling and expression in film and media, screenwriting and directing practices, and Indigenous storytelling traditions in audiovisual contexts. Studies are taught in English and delivered in a hybrid model.

What the programme aims to:

  • Develop master’s-level education in cinema and storytelling
  • Bridge cultural heritage with modern digital storytelling tools
  • Enable cross-border cooperation and capacity building across the Arctic and Sápmi
  • Support Indigenous-led narratives for local and global audiences

Graduates will gain expertise for careers in the film and media industry, cultural institutions, or academia.

The development of the degree programme has been carried out jointly between the University of Lapland, Sámi Allaskuvla, and Umeå University, with funding from Interreg Aurora, a programme co-funded by the EU to help facilitate cross-border cooperation between Northern Europe and Sápmi.

Master’s Programme in Arctic Indigenous Cinema (AIC)

Programme overview

Degree: Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Credits: 120 ECTS
Duration of studies: 2 years
Application period: Jan. 7, 2026 – Jan. 21, 2026 (at 03:00 PM UTC+2)
Studies begin: Autumn 2026

Admissions criteria

How to apply?

All applications via Studyinfo.

Apply here
To be eligible you must have:

    • A bachelor’s or master’s degree in media, visual arts, drama, theatre, journalism or another relevant field. The relevance and eligibility of a degree from another field will be determined by the admission committee.

An applicant who has completed a first-cycle degree in a relevant field of study from an institution of higher education, entitling them to apply for master’s degree studies in their country, may apply to master’s degree studies.

Students graduating during the academic year 2025 – 2026 (after the application period) must enclose their official transcript of records and the expected date of graduation to the application. The official degree certificate must be delivered to the University of Lapland by July 31, 2026. Otherwise the applicant will lose her/his study place.

...
What will you learn?

During the degree, the student will develop knowledge, artistic skills and competence in:

    • Academic research in Indigenous storytelling from a theoretical or artistic research tradition

    • The dramaturgy, narrative forms and expression of film, moving image genres and media art

    • Screenwriting for moving images, film, and interactive media works

    • Directing processes and production practices in fiction film, documentary film and media art

    • Different artistic skills in filmmaking or more broadly in the audiovisual field
...
Career Opportunities

Career options are open to graduates, for example

  • Working in the film and media industry

  • Working independent creative consultancy and expert in Indigenous Cinema in different institutions and companies

  • Academic research, researcher or development project management
...

Learn more about the programme on the University of Lapland’s website:

M.A. in Arctic Indigenous Cinema

Applications for the New Cinema Programme Open on September 1

Posted on by Essi Pulju

The University of Lapland will soon begin accepting applications for its new Master’s Programme in Arctic Indigenous Cinema (AIC), a unique international degree designed to empower Indigenous communities through digital storytelling and film. The application period runs from September 1–11, 2025 (by 3 pm Finnish time), with studies beginning in January 2026.

The two-year, 120 ECTS programme combines Indigenous storytelling traditions with modern film and media practices, offering courses in screenwriting, directing, dramaturgy, and audiovisual expression. Taught in English through a hybrid model, the programme opens doors for Indigenous filmmakers to bring their stories to the world on equal terms.

Graduates will gain expertise for careers in the film and media industry, cultural institutions, or academia. By bridging cultural heritage with new media, the programme seeks to foster Indigenous-led narratives for both local and global audiences.

Master’s Programme in Arctic Indigenous Cinema (AIC)

Programme overview

Degree: Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Credits: 120 ECTS
Duration of studies: 2 years
Application period: September 1, 2025 – September 11, 2025 (by 3 pm Finnish time)
Student selection results: October 20, 2025 at the latest
Study right begins: January 2026

Admissions criteria

How to apply?

All applications via Studyinfo.
More information on applying here.

Apply here
To be eligible you must have:

    • A bachelor’s or master’s degree in media, visual arts, drama, theatre, or journalism OR another relevant field. The relevance and eligibility of a degree from another field will be determined by the admission committee.

    • The Faculty of Art and Design may, under special circumstances, approve an alternative way of demonstrating eligibility criteria beyond those listed above.

    • An applicant who has completed a first-cycle degree in a relevant field of study from an institution of higher education, entitling her/him to apply for master’s degree studies in her/his home country, may apply to master’s degree studies
...
What will you learn?

During the degree, the student will develop knowledge, artistic skills and competence in:

    • Academic research in Indigenous storytelling from a theoretical or artistic research tradition

    • The dramaturgy, narrative forms and expression of film, moving image genres and media art

    • Screenwriting for moving images, film, and interactive media works

    • Directing processes and production practices in fiction film, documentary film and media art

    • Different artistic skills in filmmaking or more broadly in the audiovisual field
...
Career Opportunities

Career options are open to graduates, for example

  • Working in the film and media industry

  • Working independent creative consultancy and expert in Indigenous Cinema in different institutions and companies

  • Academic research, researcher or development project management
...

Learn more about the program on the University of Lapland’s website:

M.A. in Arctic Indigenous Cinema

The development of the degree program has been carried out jointly between the University of Lapland, Sámi Allaskuvla, and Umeå University, with funding from Interreg Aurora, a program co-funded by the EU to help facilitate cross-border cooperation between Northern Europe and Sápmi.

New Arctic Indigenous Cinema Program at University of Lapland

Posted on by Essi Pulju

The University of Lapland has presented a new international M.A. degree program in Arctic Indigenous cinema, set to launch during the 2026-27 academic year. Applications start on September 1, 2025.

The program aims to empower Indigenous communities with education and tools for digital storytelling, integrating Indigenous cultures and new media. The curriculum covers storytelling and expression in film and media, screenwriting and directing practices, and Indigenous storytelling traditions in audiovisual contexts. Courses will be taught in English and take place via a hybrid model.

Liisa Holmberg, the CEO of AIFF and vice-lead of the UArctic Thematic Network of Arctic Indigenous Film highlights the importance of such programs:

“Holding a degree in this field helps level the playing field for Indigenous filmmakers striving to share their stories with wider audiences. With a Western qualification, more doors open to funding opportunities and production deals.”

The program’s goals include:

  • Developing master’s-level cinema and storytelling education
  • Bridging cultural heritage with modern digital storytelling
  • Enabling cross-border cooperation and capacity building
  • Fostering Indigenous-led narratives for global and local dissemination

The development of the degree program has been carried out jointly between the University of Lapland, Sámi Allaskuvla, and Umeå University, with funding from Interreg Aurora, a program co-funded by the EU to help facilitate cross-border cooperation between Northern Europe and Sápmi.

Master’s Programme in Arctic Indigenous Cinema (AIC)

Programme overview

Degree: Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Credits: 120 ECTS
Duration of studies: 2 years
Application period: September 1, 2025 – September 11, 2025 (by 3 pm Finnish time)
Student selection results: October 20, 2025 at the latest
Study right begins: January 2026

How to apply?

All applications via Studyinfo.
More information on applying here.

Admissions criteria for 2026
To be eligible you must have:

    • A bachelor’s or master’s degree in media, visual arts, drama, theatre, or journalism OR another relevant field. The relevance and eligibility of a degree from another field will be determined by the admission committee.

    • The Faculty of Art and Design may, under special circumstances, approve an alternative way of demonstrating eligibility criteria beyond those listed above.

    • An applicant who has completed a first-cycle degree in a relevant field of study from an institution of higher education, entitling her/him to apply for master’s degree studies in her/his home country, may apply to master’s degree studies
...
What will you learn?

During the degree, the student will develop knowledge, artistic skills and competence in:

    • Academic research in Indigenous storytelling from a theoretical or artistic research tradition

    • The dramaturgy, narrative forms and expression of film, moving image genres and media art

    • Screenwriting for moving images, film, and interactive media works

    • Directing processes and production practices in fiction film, documentary film and media art

    • Different artistic skills in filmmaking or more broadly in the audiovisual field
...
Career Opportunities

Career options are open to graduates, for example

  • Working in the film and media industry

  • Working independent creative consultancy and expert in Indigenous Cinema in different institutions and companies

  • Academic research, researcher or development project management
...

Learn more about the program on the University of Lapland’s website:

M.A. in Arctic Indigenous Cinema

Eight Arctic Indigenous Filmmakers Selected for the Witness Film Training and Mentorship Program

Posted on by Essi Pulju

Kautokeino, Norway – April 25, 2025

The Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF) and the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) are thrilled to announce the selection of eight talented Arctic Indigenous filmmakers for the third annual Witness Film Training and Mentorship Program. This groundbreaking initiative empowers filmmakers from Arctic communities, providing them with the tools and mentorship to create compelling short films that spotlight the urgent impacts of climate change.

Witness offers a unique platform for Arctic Indigenous storytellers, and this year’s cohort blends fresh talent with past participants. Four directors have been paired with returning producers to bring projects that showcase the rich diversity and cultural narratives of the region.

The selected projects

Sukkaillutit Uqaruk / Say It Slowly
Director: Ashley Qilavaq-Savard (Inuk, Iqaluit)
Producer: Sara Beate Eira (Sámi, Norway Sápmi)

Untitled [Hide Tanning]
Director: Brittany Woods-Orrison (Koyukon Dené, Alaska)
Producer: Sadetło Scott (Tłı̨chǫ Dené, Yellowknife)

Untitled [Reindeer Herding]
Director: Aslak Paltto (Sámi, Finland Sápmi)
Producer: Marc Fussing Rosbach (Inuk, Greenland)

Waking up Sassumap Arnaa (Mother of the Sea)
Director: Arina Kleist (Inuk, Greenland)
Producer: Princess Daazhraii Johnson (Neets’aii Gwich’in, Alaska)

Strengthening Indigenous Storytelling

“Witness’s continued success reflects the creativity, resilience, and strength of Arctic Indigenous filmmakers,” said Liisa Holmberg, CEO of AIFF. “This program isn’t just about training – it’s about empowering our communities to share our stories, preserve cultural identities, and raise awareness about climate change. We can’t wait to see the global impact these films will have.”

The program’s influence continues to grow, with a record number of proposals submitted this year. Selected participants will benefit from mentorship by esteemed Indigenous filmmakers Darlene Naponse and Jason Ryle, and receive technical training and insights into independent filmmaking from the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT).

New Partnerships and Growing Support

Created by AIFF and Telefilm Canada, with continued support from UArctic, Curating Indigenous Circumpolar Cultural Sovereignty (a Social Sciences and Humanities of Canada funded project at York University), Witness 2025 proudly welcomes the ISO as its lead partner – marking a major expansion of ISO’s support for emerging Arctic Indigenous filmmakers.

“We’re thrilled to partner with AIFF and others on Witness for the first time,” said Kerry Swanson, CEO of ISO. “Witness has quickly become a cornerstone for emerging Indigenous filmmakers in the Arctic, offering not only technical training but the mentorship and guidance needed to tell impactful stories. We’re eager to see the incredible work this new cohort will create.”

Witness on the Global Stage

Films from the Witness 2024 cohort premiered in January at the Skabmagovat Indigenous Film Festival and have since screened at festivals around the world. Upcoming stops include the Aulajut: Nunavut International Film Festival next week and the Seattle International Film Festival in May.

Witness continues to amplify Arctic Indigenous voices, fostering cultural exchange, collaboration, and global recognition for stories that matter.

Arctic Indigenous Screenwriters Gather in Guovdageaidnu

Posted on by Essi Pulju

The Arctic Indigenous Screenwriting Workshop held its first in-person session in Guovdageaidnu in mid-April. Running until October 2025, the program is part of a broader effort to strengthen Indigenous storytelling on screen and support emerging voices from across the Arctic.

The workshop is a collaboration between the International Sámi Film Institute and the Arctic Indigenous Film Fund. The open call for the workshop received significant interest, with 47 applications submitted from across the Arctic Indigenous region.

“The Arctic Indigenous film community is full of storytellers ready to bring their voices to life. With the support of our incredible mentors, these participants now have the opportunity to shape their stories into powerful screenplays. We are truly excited for what’s ahead”, says course coordinator Liisa Holmberg, CEO of the Arctic Indigenous Film Fund.

Twelve participants

Twelve participants have been selected to participate in monthly sessions this year, guided by a team of mentors. One of the participants is Saia Stueng from Kárášjohka. She is known for her two Sámi-language young adult novels, Hamburgerprinsessa, and is currently also pursuing a PhD at the Sámi University of Applied Sciences.

“It has been exciting to get to know the process of writing a screenplay compared to writing a novel. Learning to write for film is really fun. The main difference between writing a film and a novel is that you have to focus on what you see in the frame, what you see and hear, not just what you read”, says Saia Stueng.

Saia Stueng.

Each participant has brought their own story and screenplay idea to the workshop, which they will develop throughout the year.

“My film is about children at boarding schools and how they were afraid while being there. It’s about what that fear did to Sámi children, and how it may have affected later generations. I joined this screenwriting workshop because I think it is important that we tell our own stories, and especially in our own language, and I really want to learn more about screenwriting”, she says.

The workshop focuses on how Indigenous storytelling traditions can guide the screenwriting process while building a solid foundation in film narrative and character development. By the end of the program, each participant will have crafted a strong story, an extended treatment, and a first draft script. Read more about the worksop here.

Mentors

Some of the mentors.
The mentor team includes Liisa Holmberg (Course Coordinator), Nils Gaup (Sápmi), Jörgen Hjerdt (Sweden), Gail Maurice (Canada), Åse Katrin Vuolab (Sápmi), Kate Leys (UK), Suvi West (Sápmi) and Bird Runningwater (US).

Partners

Funders

A part of Sami Film Initiativ / Samisk filmløft:

As part of Samfunnsløftet, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, the International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI) has been allocated 10 million NOK in funding for a major initiative in the production of new Sámi films and TV series. This initiative is a concrete measure and a response to the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This Screenwriting Workshop is the first of many projects following the Sami Film Initiative.

Witness Series 2025 Grant Round Open – Apply by April 2

Posted on by Essi Pulju

The Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF), in partnership with Telefilm Canada and the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), is excited to announce the third edition of the Witness Short Film Series. This professional training and mentorship program is designed to support early career Arctic Indigenous filmmakers from across the Circumpolar North, including Canada, Sápmi, Russia, Alaska, and Greenland.

The program offers a unique opportunity to develop skills in documentary storytelling, cinematography, production management, and impact producing. Participants will receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced Indigenous filmmakers, explore ethical filmmaking practices, and gain insights into international co-productions. Selected filmmakers will be awarded a training grant to produce a 3–5 minute short film exploring climate change from an Indigenous perspective.

Applications are open now!

The extended deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 2, 2025. For more details and application guidelines, read the call for proposals here.

For Applicants

The Witness Film Series World Premiere at Skábmagovat 2025

Posted on by Essi Pulju

The Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF) and Telefilm Canada are proud to announce the world premiere of the Witness film series at the Skábmagovat Film Festival in Inari, Finland, on January 24, 2025.

The series features five short films by Arctic Indigenous filmmakers, offering powerful insights into how climate change is impacting their lives and communities. The filmmakers will be in attendance, sharing their stories and engaging with audiences.

Join us at Skábmagovat to experience transformative storytelling from the Arctic!

🔗 Learn more about the films and screenings here: Skábmagovat Film Festival

📅 Time: Premiere on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 4 PM.
Rerun on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 4 PM.

📍 Location: Skábmagovat Film Festival, Inari, Finland

Get tickets

Featured Films and Filmmakers:

The Witness short film series poster.

About the program

The Witness program is a collaborative initiative by AIFF and Telefilm Canada, providing Arctic Indigenous filmmakers with professional mentorship, a platform to tell their stories, and connections to a global network of Indigenous creators.

See the Witness trailer:

New Arctic Indigenous Screenwriting Workshop Kicks Off

Posted on by veera

The Arctic Indigenous Screenwriting Workshop has officially kicked off and has started with online sessions in October with Bird Runninwater and Suvi West. The workshop will continue until September 2025.

High Interest

There was great interest in the workshop, with 47 applications from the Arctic Indigenous area. From this group, 12 are selected to participate in the monthly sessions over the coming year led by professionals in the film industry.

We are thrilled by the enthusiasm we have seen. There is a huge interest in Indigenous stories, and we can see that many writers are interested in telling their stories on the screen. This course provides one-on-one mentoring, so we focused on a smaller group this time to give each writer dedicated support, says Liisa Holmberg, the Course leader.

About the program

The Arctic Indigenous Screenwriting workshop will focus on how Indigenous storytelling traditions can inspire the scriptwriting process and enhance the understanding of the basics of film narratives and character development in a film story. By the end of the workshop, the participants will have a strong story, an extended treatment, and a first draft script.

The workshop is the first of many projects following the Sami Film Initiative / Samisk filmløft.

The Mentors

The sessions will be led by professionals in the film industry:

Leader of the Course: Liisa Holmberg: CEO, Arctic Indigenous Film Fund
Kate Leys: International script and story editor, England
Bird Runningwater: Producer/Director from Los Angeles
Suvi West: Screenwriter/Director, Sápmi
Gail Maurice: Screenwriter/Director, Canada
Nils Gaup: Screenwriter/Director, Sápmi
Åse Katrin Vuolab: Screenwriter/Director, Sápmi
Jörgen Hjerdt: Screenwriter, Sweden

Goals

  • To learn how Indigenous storytelling traditions can inspire your script-writing process.
  • To understand the basics of film narratives and character development in your own film story
  • To provide methods for developing ideas into treatments and scripts

Outcome

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a strong story, an extended treatment, and a first-draft script.

For questions or more information about the workshop, please contact:

Liisa Holmberg, CEO, Arctic Indigenous Film Fund

+47 930 36 145

Partners

Funders

A part of Sami Film Initiativ / Samisk filmløft:

As part of Samfunnsløftet, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, the International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI) has been allocated 10 million NOK in funding for a major initiative in the production of new Sámi films and TV series. This initiative is a concrete measure and a response to the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This Screenwriting Workshop is the first of many projects following the Sami Film Initiative.

New Podcast Episode from EFM: Arctic Indigenous Filmmakers on Climate Change

Posted on by Essi Pulju

EFM – European Film Market, distribution platform for the Berlinale, has released a compelling new episode of Industry Insights – EFM podcast.

Titled “Arctic Indigenous Filmmakers on Climate Change: First-Hand Perspectives,” this episode shines a light on the innovative work of the Witness Program, a unique film training and mentorship initiative by Telefilm Canada and the Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF). The program enables Arctic Indigenous filmmakers to share their authentic perspectives on how climate change is affecting their communities. 

Join AIFF’s CEO Liisa Holmberg as she delves into insightful conversations with filmmakers Sadetło Scott and Svetlana Romanova, alongside mentor Danis Goulet. They share their authentic experiences and perspectives on how their communities’ worldview, connection and deep relationship to the land are expressed in their films.

Tune in and gain a deeper understanding of the Arctic Indigenous perspective on climate change!

Go to the Podcast

About the podcast:

Industry Insights – The EFM Podcast is one of the Berlinale podcasts and is provided in cooperation with Goethe-Institut and co-funded by Creative Europe MEDIA.

The podcast is also available on all major podcast platforms, e.g. Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

The episode “Arctic Indigenous Filmmakers on Climate Change” has been developed in partnership with Telefilm Canada.

Release Date: June 21, 2024
Episode Length: 43 minutes

Listen the teaser of the episode here:

Arctic Witness Training program