PRODUCTION / FUNDING Sweden / USA
Elle Márjá Eira's debut feature, Stolen, currently in production in Sápmi
- Based on Ann-Helén Laestadius's novel of the same name, the film follows a young woman’s struggle to defend her indigenous heritage in a world threatened by xenophobia and climate change
Elle Márjá Eira's debut feature, Stolen, has recently entered production in Sápmi. Before working on her first full-length film, Eira helmed the shorts The Sámi Have Rights and Ealát.
Based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by award-winning author Ann-Helén Laestadius and penned by Peter Birro (Waltz for Monica [+see also:
trailer
interview: Edda Magnason
interview: Per Fly
film profile], 438 Days [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]), Stolen follows Elsa, a young woman who struggles to defend her indigenous heritage in a world where xenophobia is on the rise, climate change is threatening reindeer herding, and young people choose suicide in the face of collective desperation. But the story also lays bare the tensions that arise when modern ideas come up against a traditional culture with deeply rooted patriarchal structures.
Elsa is played by Elin Kristina Oskal, whilst other key roles are portrayed by Martin Wallström, Lars-Ánte Wasara, Ida Persson Labba, Pávva Pittja, Ingahilda Tapio, Magnus Kuhmunen, Simon Issát Marainen, Niilá Omma and Anne Lajla Westerfjell Kalstad, among others.
With this movie, Oskal has landed her first major role in a feature film. “It’s incredibly cool to get to know the film industry from the inside – I have always been curious about it. I’m so grateful to be a part of this,” she said.
Elle Márjá Eira added: “We’re in the midst of production right now. They have been exciting and demanding days in temperatures of minus 35 degrees. We love the snow! I am so impressed and proud of the whole cast and crew – especially the Sámi. It’s also incredibly beautiful to be able to speak my own language, which is Sámi, on set.”
Ann-Helén Laestadius is also attached to the project as the executive producer. Stolen is set for a global release on Netflix in 2024.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.
