Indigenous issues at this year's film festival

The long-standing collaboration between Riddu Riđđu Festivála and Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF) continues when the latter takes places 16-21. January. Riddu Riđđu Festivála, Europe's largest Indigenous festival, will be visible on several program posts including the opening ceremony, panel discussion on Indigenous peoples and popular culture, and the closing party.

The program

Opening ceremony


16 January, Stortorvet, at 18:00.

The audience can look forward to a mini-concert with the queen of Sápmi, Mari Boine. Open to all.



Opening film: Ellos eatnu - Let the river flow

16 January, Kulturhuset, Hall 1 Fokus, 19:00.

The fictional film is based on real events from the Alta conflict and the fight for Sámi rights in the late 70s. Directed by Ole Gievær, with Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen in the lead role. Note that the film has an age limit of 12 years. Tickets on sale on TIFF.no.

Panel discussion: "Indigenous people and popular culture - between struggle and art"

18 January, Tromsø library, at 4:30 p.m.

This year's program at TIFF shows a wide range of films from and about northern Indigenous communities. They address a variety of topics and come from many different places. The films are part of a larger trend of cultural expressions from indigenous peoples. In this conversation, the panelists will discuss indigenous peoples and popular culture, about identity, the demand for importance, activism and the relationship with the majority society. Open to all. Streamed via TIFF.no.

Closing party

21 January, Storgata camping, at 21:00. To mark the end of this year's film festival, together with TIFF, we invite you to an entertainment bonanza at Storgata camping. On stage this evening are bands including A Million Pineapples, Kinsella, nonne, Tøndra, The Dodge Brothers, as well as a musical surprise in collaboration with Rakettnatt. Tickets on sale via TIFF.no.



Sajje Solbakk, festival director at Riddu Riđđu Festivála, is ready for an exciting week:

- The collaboration between Riddu Riđđu and TIFF has led to many exciting cultural experiences. This year's program is no exception and I am looking forward to seeing more and more Sámi and other Indigenous film projects on the screen. Personally, I am particularly looking forward to participating in the panel discussion on Indigenous peoples and popular culture - it will be an exciting and important conversation!



The full program and ticket sales for the film festival are available at TIFF.no. Riddu Riđđu Festivála has a program for the whole family and takes place in Kåfjord municipality, Nord-Troms every year. The date of the next festival is 12-16. July 2023. Already confirmed for the program are the artists Katarina Barruk, Resiklurert, Manne, Herman Rundberg's magnificent solo project. Tickets are now on sale at www.riddu.no.