Sami Youth Film Invited to Toronto
The first-ever Sami youth film, Biru Unjárga – My Fathers’ Daughter by Egil Pedersen, will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September
Biru Unjárga means “damn Nesseby” in Norwegian, and the full Norwegian title of the film is Biru Unjárga - Fucking Nesseby, while the international title is My Fathers’ Daughter.
Sami teenager Elvira
Director and screenwriter Egil Pedersen’s first feature film tells the story of 15-year-old Elvira, a confident Sami teenager, who firmly believes that her mother conceived her at a Danish fertility clinic. She often daydreams about her father, envisioning him as a charismatic movie star. However, everything changes when her actual biological father unexpectedly enters her life. This captivating family film takes place in the northernmost region of Norway, showcasing quirky dialogues, and a remarkable female protagonist.
Discovery Section
My Fathers’ Daughter will have its world premiere in the Discovery section at the Toronto Film Festival. The Discovery section in Toronto is a showcase for films and talents, opening up opportunities for sales and festival invitations from around the world.
Last year, a Sami film was also shown in the Discovery program. Director Sara Margrethe Oskal’s feature debut Eallogierdu - The Tundra Within Me had its world premiere in Toronto.
World Premiere in Toronto
The Toronto International Film Festival will take place this year from September 5th to 15th. The director, actors, and producers will be present at the world premiere of My Fathers’ Daughter in Toronto. The film will have its Norwegian premiere on September 27th.
About Director Egil Pedersen
Director and screenwriter Egil Pedersen is a graduate of the Norwegian Film School in Lillehammer. He has previously directed 15 short films, 18 music videos, 2 documentary series, and over 40 commercial and commissioned films.
A significant portion of his films are Sami productions, and he has been one of the most productive Sami directors over the past 10 years. Pedersen was one of the participants in the talent program UP 2.0, a collaboration between the Norwegian Film Institute, Norsk Tipping, and Talent Norge.
About My Fathers’ Daughter
My Fathers’ Daughter is primarily in Sami and is filmed in the area around Varangerfjord. It is produced by the Finnmark-based production company Rein Film, together with Paasan by Mathis Ståle Mathisen, Pål Røed, and Aleksander Olai Korsnes. The film has received NOK 7,500,000 in production grants from the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI) through NFI’s new talent scheme Neo. Neo is aimed at film directors and series creators who want to debut in longer formats, encouraging and cultivating strong storytelling voices and artistic courage. The film has also been part of NFI’s pilot program for audience insights.
Cast and Crew
Cast: Sarah Olaussen Eira, Ingá Elisá Påve Idivuoma, Ánne Mággá Wigelius, Aslat Mahtte Gaup, Amund Lode, Sara Sofia Mienna
Director: Egil Pedersen
Screenplay: Egil Pedersen
Producers: Mathis Ståle Mathisen, Pål Røed, and Aleksander Olai Korsnes
Cinematography: Anna Myking
Norwegian Distributor: Ymer Media for Scandinavian Film Distribution
Toronto International Film Festival