The Tundra Within Me
About the film:
After living many years in Oslo, Lena (Risten Anine Gaup) moves back to Sápmi in Northern Norway with her young son wanting to explore the intricacies of gender roles within reindeer herding in a new art project. While researching in the wintry tundra, she falls in love with reindeer herder Máhtte - and as they grapple with their newly emerged feelings, they feel the weight of tradition and expectations. Mahtte's mother, the family's matriarch, becomes a formidable barrier to their blossoming romance. As decisions from the past haunt her, Lena struggles to find out whether her and Máhtte's lifestyles can ever be compatible. Mahtte (Nils Ailu Kemi) dreams of becoming the manager of his family’s reindeer, but is at odds with his mother. While Lena's mom is enthusiastic about Lena’s return and the opportunity to share Sámi knowledge with her grandson, Lena insists her stay is temporary. While Lena’s life in the south has offered greater comforts and opportunities as an artist, the shadow of a past decision still fills her with shame and regret. That act is still known in the community and Lena struggles to connect with the herders, many of whom are wary of her intentions. Adding to her woes, Lena is confronted with more conservative attitudes about what Sámi art should be as her provocative works fail to resonate locally.
The Tundra Within Me is an exploration of love, heritage, and the resilience of the human spirit set in contemporary Northern Norway.
Set against the mesmerizing ice-clad landscapes and the ethereal dance of the northern lights, The Tundra Within Me, Sara Margrethe Oskal’s tender first feature delivers a visual and emotional spectacle. The film intimately captures the essence of reindeer herding and nature, weaving a poignant narrative that navigates love's ardor and societal resistance. Simultaneously, it delves into the rich cultural roots and gender dynamics within the reindeer herding community and reveal the immense importance of reindeer herding for Sámi culture and society.
About the director:
Sara Margrethe Oskal is a director, screenwriter, actress and poet who grew up in a herding family in Kautokeino. She had her own herd for ten years. She holds a PhD in Performing Arts and was nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize for Tireless Words in 2016.
The Tundra Within Me World premiered in Discovery Section Toronto International Film Festival 2023
https://www.moviejawn.com/home/2023/9/10/tiff-2023
https://awfj.org/blog/2023/09/12/sara-margrethe-oskal-on-the-tundra-within-me-tiff-2023-rachel-west-interviews/
https://awfj.org/blog/2023/09/12/the-tundra-within-me-tiff-2023-review-by-rachel-west/
https://thatshelf.com/tiff-2023-back-half-best-bets-review/
https://intheseats.ca/tiff-2023-our-review-of-eallogierdu-the-tundra-within-me/
http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2023/9/23/tiff-23-final-farewells-and-a-jury-of-one.htmlhttps://tv.nrk.no/serie/oddasat-tv/sesong/202401/episode/SANY70011724#t=385s