Sami Blood

Abaton Kino presents two cinema films that thematically tie in with the exhibition SPEAKING BACK. Co-curator Katja Schroeder will give a short introduction to the film. The exhibition at the Kunsthaus runs until 1 October.

Sami Blood tells the story of young Elle Marja, who grows up in northern Sweden in the 1930s. As a member of the indigenous Sami people, she is confronted with discrimination and prejudice. To escape the tight corset of Sami traditions, Elle Marja decides to deny her identity and assimilate into Swedish society. But the price she has to pay is high.

The debut film of director Amanda Kernell, herself a daughter of a Sami/Swedish couple, impresses its viewers not only with its visual aesthetics, but also with the outstanding acting performances. The leading actress Lene Cecilia Sparrok embodies Elle Marja with touching intensity.

Sami Blood is a film about the search for cultural identity and an important contribution to coming to terms with the history of Sami culture and its oppression.