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.
