Ellos eatnu – Let the River Flow

Finnish title Anna joen virrata

Directed by Ole Giæver


Length 123min

Year of production 2023

Production countries Norway, Sweden, Finland

Starring Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, Gard Emil, Sofia Jannok, Beaska Niillas, Marie Kvernmo, Finn Arve Sørbøe, William Sigvaldsen, Mary Sarre, Ivar Beddari, Maria Bock, Robert Amadeus Gaup Mienna, Mikkel Gaup

Written by Ole Giæver

Director of Photography Marius Matzow Gulbrandsen, FNF

Production Design Ragnhild Juliane Sletta, Cecilie de Lange

Costume Design Nell Knudsen

Make-up Design Salla Yli-Luopa

Editing Wibecke Rønseth, NFK

Sound Design Bent Holm

Composers Ola Fløttum, Pessi Levanto

Producers Maria Ekerhovd / Mer Film

Co-producers Bufo (Misha Jaari, Mark Lwoff), Zentropa Sweden, Knudsen Pictures, Helmet

Ester (23) moves to Alta in 1979 to start her first teaching job. To fit in with her colleagues at the elementary school, she keeps her Sami identity hidden.

Ester’s cousin Mihkkal is a Sami activist and participates in the demonstrations against the planned building of a dam approved by the Norwegian government. When Mihkkal takes her to the protest camp by the Alta River, Ester learns how the fight for the river is also a revolt against the years of brutal racism and discrimination against her people. Ester begins to free herself of her shame and throws herself into the battle against the dam and the fight for the right to be yourself.

Ellos eatnu – Let the River Flow is a drama about deep conflicts between the Sami people and the Norwegian government, that inspired a whole generation to stand up. The fight is still ongoing…

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