About the Sámi Film Festival

The annual Sámi Film Festival celebrates the rich storytelling traditions of the Sámi, an Indigenous people of the northernmost parts of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Now in its 8th year, the festival presents a variety of newly released and classic Sámi features, documentaries, and short films, sharing Sámi film with a global audience.

🎬 This year’s festival is curated by acclaimed director, writer, artist, and composer Elle Márjá Eira, whose directorial debut Stolen reached the Top 10 list in 71 countries following its Netflix premiere in 2024. Meet the Curator

Ways to Watch in Seattle, Washington

Films will be screened Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7 at Majestic Bay Theatres in Ballard.

Alternate Ways to Watch

The 8th annual Sámi Film Festival will take place from February 6 to 13, 2026 with both in-person and online streaming options.

🔜  Saturday Festival schedule coming soon!

Meet the 2026 Sámi Film Festival Curator

The 2026 Festival is curated by director, artist, writer and composer Elle Márjá Eira, whose work in mediums from TV to classical opera has captivated audiences across the globe. Her directorial debut Stolen reached the Top 10 list in 71 countries following its Netflix premiere in 2024.

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   Elle Márjá Eira

   Elle Márjá Eira (b.1983) is a director, artist, writer and composer. She is based in Guovdageaidnu in Northern Norway, originally from Sámi reindeer herding district 26 Lákkonjárga.

   Bio(Opens an external site)
   

   Elle Márjá Eira

   Elle Márjá Eira (b.1983) is a director, artist, writer and composer. She is based in Guovdageaidnu in Northern Norway, originally from Sámi reindeer herding district 26 Lákkonjárga.

   Eira directed the first Sami classical Opera, EATNAMAVÁIBMU, at the Royal Opera in Sweden 2025. She also directed episode 7 of the award winning NRK series POWER PLAY. In addition, Eira has directed and produced several short films and video installations. Eira has experience as an actress and composer at The Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš and collaborated with film composer Christophe Beck on the score for The 12th Man (2017). Her video installations VR360 EALLU and EALÁT were exhibited at the Venice Biennale and the Kochi Biennale in 2022. She has also worked as a co-composer on several film projects and has toured internationally with her music. Her music blends traditional joik with contemporary expression, cinematic soundscapes, and elements of pop and rock. She is the winner of Arctic Talent, Northern Norway’s largest music award. She is also the winner of the Ghost Rocket Song Contest at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards in collaboration with NASA and Andøya Space.