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
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- 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.
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- A good command of the English language for academic purposes (demonstrating language proficiency).
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- The Faculty of Art and Design may, under special circumstances, approve an alternative way of demonstrating eligibility criteria beyond those listed above.
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- 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
During the degree, the student will develop knowledge, artistic skills and competence in:
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- Academic research in Indigenous storytelling from a theoretical or artistic research tradition
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- The dramaturgy, narrative forms and expression of film, moving image genres and media art
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- Screenwriting for moving images, film, and interactive media works
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- Directing processes and production practices in fiction film, documentary film and media art
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- Different artistic skills in filmmaking or more broadly in the audiovisual field
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:
