It is the first time that Netflix will make a Sami feature film. Netflix writes that the book depicts a young woman’s struggle to defend her indigenous heritage in a world where xenophobia is on the rise, climate change threatens reindeer herding, and young people choose suicide in the face of collective desperation. Filmmaker and artist Elle Márjá Eira from Guovdageaidnu will be the director of the film. – I am looking forward to working on this film, it will be very exciting, says the 39-year-old. Eira is a reindeer owner herself and says that she feels the story could be about her too. – It is nice to know that people are getting to know this history and what is happening in Sápmi today, she says. Elle Márjá Eira is a filmmaker, musician, writer and artist from Guovdageaidnu. Photo: Press image She is headhunted for the job, and is currently attending the film premiere Árran360 in Venice. Read other Sami news here. A dream comes true The book writer hopes that many people can recognize themselves in the film. – I am incredibly happy that Netflix has chosen to make a Sami story as a feature film, says Ann-Helen Laestadius to the online newspaper Deadline (external link). She is overjoyed, she says. – For me as a writer, it is a dream to see my book become a film and gain a new audience, she says. She will be a producer in the film. Here is Ann-Helèn Laestadius and the book cover of the book. Photo: Thron Ullberg/Aschehoug The book of the year in 2021 It is Peter Birro who has written the script and the planned premiere is in 2024 and the start of recording is in the spring of 2023. The book “Stjålet” was originally published in Sweden in 2021 and has since then been sold to over 20 countries, such as Germany, the UK, the USA and Canada. The book was also awarded Book of the Year in Sweden in September 2021. Previously, Walt Disney has collaborated with the Sami Parliament and the Sami Parliamentary Council (SPR) in connection with the film “Frost 2”, which was inspired by Sápmi. Netflix will not comment on the matter and refers to the press release (external link). Sami film in the tailwind The news recently came out about the streaming giant Netflix and the International Sami Film Institute (ISFI) entering into a partnership. Netflix has a fund that provides funding for collaborations to strengthen creative diversity and participation in the entertainment industry. This is done, among other things, via training. – I see that Sami film is making progress, and I must praise Anne Lájlá Utsi at ISFI who shows the way for us filmmakers. We get to meet and learn from the best in the film industry. Elle Márjá Eira in Venice during the premiere of the film project Árran360. Photo: Wenche Marie Hætta / news – Sami film has a bright future, says Elle Márjá Eira.
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International Sami bestseller becomes a film on Netflix – news Sápmi
