– The first feature by Elle Sofe Sara, which follows a reindeer herder fighting to protect her lands from a looming mining project, is the world’s first Sámi yoik drama
Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska in Árru
Amid the breathtaking landscapes of Sápmi, reindeer herder Maia fights to protect her ancestral lands from a looming mining project. As protests rise, she turns to her charismatic uncle Lemme for help, but his presence reignites deep-buried traumas. Maia must choose: save the land at the cost of her family or surrender it to break the silence.
This is the synopsis for Árru, the first film by Norwegian filmmaker Elle Sofe Sara, the world premiere of which is taking place in the Panorama section of the current Berlinale (12-22 February).
The director explains, “I come from Guovdageaidnu, a Sámi village where the wind carries memory, and silence is its own kind of language. In my world, stories are not always told with words – they are sung through yoik, felt through footsteps on frozen earth, and held in the weight of a glance between generations. Árru is born from that place. It is a film about silence, and the cost of keeping it. About the women who carry everything without being asked. And what happens when a daughter dares to speak, and a mother finally sings. This story comes from Sápmi, but its heartbeat is universal: the longing to be recognized, the courage to speak the truth, and the possibility of healing— through song, and through the voices of the next generation.”
Elle Sofe Sara is a choreographer, director, and filmmaker from Guovdageaidnu, Sápmi/Norway. She creates innovative works that blend Sámi physicality, spirituality, and yoik across film and performance. In recent years, Sara has toured internationally with the performance The Answer Is Land produced by Elle Sofe Company, and created the yoik ballet Láhppon/Lost, commissioned by the Norwegian National Ballet. Her debut feature film, Árru, is the world’s first Sámi yoik drama.
Written by Elle Sofe Sara herself and Johan Fasting, the film stars Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska, Simon Issát Marainen, Ayla Gáren Audhild P. Nutti and Mikkel Gaup. Production was steered by Norwegian company STÆR, Swedish company Garagefilm International and Finnish company It’s Alive Films, in co-production with Arctic Film Invest, Bord Cadre films, Sovereign Films and Elle Sofe Company. International sales are handled by Finland’s The Yellow Affair.
Check out our exclusive poster below:
