Læhkoe biejjine! Lihkku beivviin!
Sámi film continues its success. The critically acclaimed and important Ellas Eatnu - La elva leve proves that these narratives creates enthusiasm and involvement at the same time as they reach out to a large audience.
The first ever Sámi Congress took place February 6.-9. 1917 in the Methodist church at Lilletorvet in Trondheim. That is the reason why February 6th was later chosen as the Sámi National Day for the three Nordic countries, in addition to the Kola Peninsula in Russia.
A ten minute walk from the Methodist church will lead you to Prinsen Cinema where the critically acclaimed Ellas Eatnu - La elva leve had its preview last monday (Jan 30th). Before the preview there was a conversation about the film between the lead actress Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, director Ole Giæver and Kosmorama's Festival Director Silje Engeness. This weekend Ellas Eatnu - La elva leve won both the Audience Award and the Critics Award at Gothenburg Film Festival in Sweden. We congratulate!
Ellas Eatnu is the last of several films which focus on Sámi history and culture. To mention a few: Veiviseren (Pathfinder) from 1987, directed by Nils Gaup, was the first ever Sámi language feature film and it was also nominated for the Oscar. Nils Gaup also co-wrote and directed Kautokeino-opprøret (2008) which received the People's Choice Amanda Award at Haugesund Film Festival. And finally, Amanda Kernell, wrote the script and directed Sameblod (Sami blood) from 2016 which won the Audience Award at Kosmorama 2016, in addition to several other awards at other film festivals.
One thing these films also have in common is their commercial success. The future for Sámi film should be bright. Keep them coming. We are looking forward to it.
Læhkoe biejjine!
Lihkku beivviin!
Happy Sámi National Day!
