Árru. Photo: Dánil Røkke
Feature debut Árru from Sámi filmmaker Elle Sofe Sara is invited to the 2026 Berlinale (February 12-22). The film will have its world premiere in the Panorama section.
Árru is directed by Elle Sofe Sara, and co-written by Elle Sofe Sara and Johan Fasting. The film is produced by Stær AS in Tromsø, Norway, main producer is Elisa Fernanda Pirir.
Amid the breathtaking landscapes of Sápmi, reindeer herder Maia fights to protect her ancestral lands from a looming mining project. As protests rise, she turns to her charismatic uncle Lemme for help, but his presence reignites deep-buried traumas. Maia must choose: endanger her family to save the land or surrender it to break the silence.
The Panorama section is showcasing new, daring and unconventional cinema, by programming young, exciting talents from around the world. Several Norwegian films have premiered in the Panorama section in previous years. Participation in the Panorama section qualifies both for the Panorama Audience Awards and independent jury awards.
The Panorama section programme was released on Wednesday, January 14. "Strong feminist perspectives are showcased by Sámi choreographer Elle Sofe Sara in her extraordinary film debut" the Berlinale states in the Panorama press release.
The full Berlinale programme will be presented on January 20.
“It is significant that a Sámi film is invited to this year’s Berlinale. The Norwegian Film Institute has prioritized Sámi storytelling over time, and it is encouraging to see that Sámi films and series are attracting increasing international attention” says Kjersti Mo, CEO of Norwegian Film Institute.
Árru has received NOK 5,5 million in production support from the Norwegian Film Institute through the Neo talent scheme.
“This marks a major milestone for Elle Sofe Sara, who makes her feature film debut at one of the world’s most important film arenas. The selection represents an inspiring moment for the Sámi film industry and demonstrates that Sámi cinema has a natural place on the largest international film stages” says Anne Lajla Utsi, CEO of the International Sámi Film Institute.
“It feels big and almost unreal that Árru is having its premiere at the Berlinale” says director Elle Sofe Sara.
“So many people have put their hearts into this film, and now our firstborn is about to meet the world. I’m excited to see how audiences will receive it, after having lived in a bubble with it for so long,” says Elle Sofe Sara.
Elle Sofe Sara is a choreographer, director, and filmmaker from Guovdageaidnu, Sápmi / Norway. Sara creates innovative works blending Sámi physicality, spirituality, and yoik. Sara holds an MA in choreography from the Oslo Academy of Arts and studied dance at the Laban Centre of Contemporary Dance in London. Sara has made several award-winning short films and documentaries. Her debut feature, Árru, is the world’s first Sámi yoik drama.
“It is an honour to be selected for the Panorama section at the Berlinale with a strong, distinctive and historically important feature film debut. When I saw Elle Sofe Sara’s short film Sámi Boja in 2015 at the Tromsø International Film Festival, I immediately recognized her as a vital voice that deserved to be heard. Making Árru has been a long journey, and we are grateful to everyone who made this possible”, says producer Elisa Fernanda Pirir.
Sami reindeer herder Maia fights to protect her ancestral lands from a looming mining project. Amid the growing protests, she is also confronted with deeply buried family traumas. Maia is forced to make a decision.
Manager International Relations, Feature Films
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