Eallogierdu - The Tundra Within Me (Scandinavian Film Festival) - Film Review

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Wed 17 Jul 2024 - Wed 14 Aug 2024

After living for many years in Oslo, Sámi artist Lena (Risten Anine Kvernmo Gaup) moves back to Sápmi in Northern Norway with her young son to explore the intricacies of Sámi gender roles within reindeer herding, for her ambitious art project. While researching in the wintry tundra where she stays with her mother temporarily, she meets and falls for hardworking reindeer herder Máhtte (Nils Ailu Kemi) who works for and lives with his mother, the matriarch of the family. She doesn't approve of Lena as there's no room for artists in her world and she'd rather Máhtte marry Biret, a local who has her own herd - a measure of success.

Lena is suffocated by the expectations of others and she's viewed as an outsider. She has unfinished business of the heart as past decisions haunt her still, and her art is questioned in a place and culture where herds are more important, and her 'ugly' art (I absolutely loved the art) is misunderstood. Then there are the questions of whether or not her and Máhtte's lifestyles can ever be compatible.


Written and Directed by Sara Margrethe Oskalo, The Tundra Within Me stars Risten Anine Kvernmo Gaup, Nils Ailu Kemi, Elias Ánte Pilutaq Gaup Lennert, Anitta Katriina Suikkari, Berit Anne O. Kemi, Anders Isak Oskal, John Ante Oskal, Aslat Mahtte Gaup, Inga Marja Utsi, Ingá Márjá Sarre, Sverre Porsanger, Egil Keskitalo, and Ebba Lovise Joks. This Saami, Norwegian world premiere with an original score by Ville Langfeldt, Jakop Janssønn is 95 minutes long. It's interesting to note that this sincere directorial debut comes from a writer/director who is a former reindeer herder.

Featuring awe-inspiring icy landscapes, this drama reveals the depth of connection between the Sámi people, the environment and reindeer herding; a poignant exploration of heritage, authenticity, resilience and identity. Set against the mesmerising ice-clad landscapes and the ethereal dance of the northern lights, it's a visual spectacle. In the hands of experience, it intimately captures the essence of reindeer herding as it delves into the rich cultural roots and gender dynamics within the reindeer herding community.


The Sami are an indigenous people (Nomads) who inhabit Sápmi, their preferred name for Lapland. They are speakers of the Sami languages, which are endangered. The best-known means of livelihood for them is semi-nomadic reindeer herding, which has been practised since the 17th century. It's more than a profession, it's a way of life. Time is measured in the passing of the seasons and home is where the lavvu (a teepee like tent) is set up on the migration trails. Women had as much of an equal role in herding as the males. A Joik seems to be the way the locals relax and have fun. It's an ancient type of folk song, almost a magical incantation that is dedicated to people, nature, animals, or a particular situation.

Visually stunning, this story covers a lot of ground about the challenges faced by young Saami people who have to travel the delicate balance between traditions and the allure of modern urban life. It's also about passing on traditions and folklore so the culture doesn't become lost in a modern world. The film beautifully captures the essence of a struggle between the pull of heritage and the desire for self-discovery in the face of societal expectations. It also unveils the profound importance of reindeer herding for Sámi culture and society.


The messages in the film underscore the urgency of safeguarding and revitalising its cultural heritage, inclusive of reindeer herding. This is not a simple film of the actors being outstanding, but an overall presentation of a community, and getting to know a culture and traditions that ask it be nurtured and advanced. This is a poetic ode to the eternal bond between humans and land. A pure and gentle love story, of note are the two mothers of the protagonists. They are strong and commanding characters that easily stand out and put in a stellar performance. One who passes on her traditions to her grandson as she struggles to understand her daughter, and the other who staunchly protects her son, and their business. One of many gems, be sure to check out the program and the films on the website and jump into those festival highlights and special events.



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