The Annual Sámi Film Festival returns to Scandinavia House and virtually nationwide! Now in its 8th year, the festival celebrates the rich storytelling traditions of the Sámi, an Indigenous people of the northernmost parts of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. This year’s program is curated by acclaimed director, writer, artist, and composer Elle Márjá Eira, whose work in mediums from TV to classical opera has captivated audiences across the globe, and whose directorial debut Stolen reached the Top 10 list in 71 countries following its Netflix premiere in 2024.
SCHEDULE
Oro Jaska / Shut Up (2025)
Dir. Silje Bürgin-Borch & Vegard Bjørsmo | 144 min. (6 episodes – 24 min.)
Set in a remote town in the heart of Sápmi, Shut Up follows Elli Anne, a young Sámi woman whose intimate world collapses after a brutal assault. As she seeks justice within a tightly knit community bound by tradition and family loyalty, the narrative takes a gripping turn when Issat, a celebrated snow cross racer, is accused. The allegation not only threatens his reputation but forces him to confront his own closely guarded secret: that he is queer. Praised as “powerful and timely,” Shut Up marks a historic first—it is the first Sámi TV drama of its kind to center social issues from within the community, told by Sámi voices.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Sámi Film Festival originated as a partnership between the National Nordic Museum and Pacific Sámi Searvi in 2018. Since that time, it has become an onsite event drawing audiences from the East and West Coasts.
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Elle Márjá Eira (b.1983) is a director, artist, writer and composer. She is based in Guovdageaidnu in Northern Norway, originally from Sámi reindeer herding district 26 Lákkonjárga. Eira directed the first Sami classical Opera, EATNAMAVÁIBMU, at the Royal Opera in Sweden 2025. She also directed episode 7 of the award winning NRK series POWER PLAY. In addition, Eira has directed and produced several short films and video installations. Eira has experience as an actress and composer at The Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš and collaborated with film composer Christophe Beck on the score for The 12th Man (2017). Her video installations VR360 EALLU and EALÁT were exhibited at the Venice Biennale and the Kochi Biennale in 2022. She has also worked as a co-composer on several film projects and has toured internationally with her music. Her music blends traditional joik with contemporary expression, cinematic soundscapes, and elements of pop and rock. She is the winner of Arctic Talent, Northern Norway’s largest music award. She is also the winner of the Ghost Rocket Song Contest at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards in collaboration with NASA and Andøya Space.
SUPPORT
The 8th Annual Sámi Film Festival is presented a partnership with The National Nordic Museum in Seattle. It is made possible by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation.
