The movie Sámi Jienat - Voices of Sápmi is here!

From the Finnfest in Michigan USA, 2013.

Now it's just a day to the film Sámi Jienat - Voices of Sápmi to be screened at the Tromsø International Film Festival. I have butterflies in my stomach and I'm very excited about how it will be received. The theme yoiking is obviously popular at the moment, there are no less than three films about yoiking. Some are a little disappointed that our film is not the only one on the topic, but I say that the more attention to the subject yoiking, the better!

Filmmaker Alistair Fowler and his sound engineer Michael Tye has followed the choir on tour two years, sleeping on classroom floors as the rest of us and participated in our rehearsals and concerts as well as private times with the members. It has been a pleasure working with them, nicer guys you have to search long for. Their helpers Lisa Jokivirta and Ville Söderbaum from the choir, have done a very good job, too.

One disappointment was that Sámi Jienat hadn't finances to arrange a meeting for the choir members in Tromsø this weekend. So those who have come to Tromsø to see the movie, has financed it themself. The Board is very sorry for this, but that is the fate for a project choir that relies on support from organizations in order to exist. The managment becomes very unstable and depending on luck to succeed.  

But now we have come to the occasion where the movie is to be shown and we are all very excited! We rejoice in what we have achieved and are very proud to help put the focus on the rare cultural treasure yoik. It is worth mentioning that yoik is considered to be Europe's oldest vocal cultural expression that are still alive. 

So, we who happens to be here in Tromsø, we dress up in our Sámi clothing and will be present at the first night. And who knows, maybe we spontanous yoik if we get the opportunity. One thing is certain, yoik is going to be heard in Tromsø streets this weekend!

I wish good luck to all the choir members, Lisa and Ville and our good friends Alistair and Michael. You rock! 

~ Marie ~

Have a look at the trailer: http://vimeo.com/81336743

Screening: 
Friday 17.1 at 8pm on Fokus Cinema 2/3
Sunday 19.1 at 10.30 pm on Fokus Cinema 4

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