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Sami Blood
2017 MSPIFF Official Selection
A teenage girl from a traditional Sámi family yearns to be accepted by the Swedish society of the 1930s, a society full of prejudice and discrimination against her people. This striking coming-of-age drama, set against the backdrop of racism against Sámi people, traces the decision of Elle-Marja, a reindeer-herding girl from the north of Sweden, to sever ties with her Lapland heritage and abandon her family and indigenous culture to pass as Swedish. Through Elle-Marja’s story, director Kernell reveals the systemic tragedy and harrowing history of a Nordic First People segregated and discriminated against, their children removed to special schools designed to eradicate their language and customs. Intellectually curious and ambitious Elle-Marja feels the pull of the wider world and she walks away from her isolated prison of a school. This shrewd commentary on institutionalized abuse and its consequences is also the first bona-fide feature shot by a Sámi director.
Director’s Biography
Amanda Kernell: Amanda Kernell was born in 1986 in Umeå. Her roots are in two cultures, due to her Swedish mother and Sámi father. Kernell graduated in film directing from The National Film School of Denmark. Her short films include My Summer Holiday Sister, Sharing All and I Will Always Love You Conny. Sámi Blood marks her first feature.
Press
"Sámi-Swedish writer/director Amanda Kernell has created a compelling drama about Scandinavian racism, history, betrayal and endurance." - Star Tribune
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