Let the River Flow

Let the River Flow

2023 · 118 min · SE · 7.0 (23 votes)
Dir. Ole Giæver · Starring Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, Gard Emil Elvenes, Sofia Jannok, Beaska Niillas, Marie Kvernmo, Finn Arve Sørbøe · Music Pessi Levanto
Drama

During summer 1979, Ester moves to Alta in Northern Norway to begin teaching at an elementary school. Like many Sámi at the time, she is ashamed of her heritage and conceals her ethnicity. Ester goes to great lengths to fit in, even joining in with the derogatory jokes. When her cousin Mikkhal takes her to a camp by the Alta River, where people are demonstrating against the building of a dam, Ester learns how the fight for the river is also a revolt against the years of brutal racism and discrimination against her people. After a major confrontation with the police, Mikkhal and some other Sámi decide to go to Oslo to hunger strike in front of the Parliament. Knowing what is at stake, Ester realises it is time to make a stand…

VIBE

This is a deeply resonant and emotionally charged historical drama. It feels like a quiet storm building, exploring themes of cultural identity and environmental justice with a poignant, defiant spirit. The naturalistic style immerses you in a crucial moment of awakening and resistance.

resilientpoignantdefiantawakeningurgentsteadysocial realismhistorical dramacharacter-drivennaturalistic cinematographyindigenous rightscultural identityenvironmental activismsystemic injusticeself-discovery
protestorsindigenous peoplessami peoplehydroelectric dam