In its pledge to support diversity, the US streamer has entered an overall agreement with the International Sámi Film Institute and commissioned a film version of Ann-Helén Laestadius novel.

The deal with the International Sámi Film Institute was announced on Wednesday, as the institute headed by Anne Lajla Utsi is hosting Árran 360°, a major focus on Arctic indigenous culture and people, exhibited at the Sámi Pavilion in Venice.

As part of the pact, Netflix has committed to supporting Sámi talent through investments in education and training and to facilitate Sámi behind-the-camera’s access to the industry.

The Sámi filmmakers support fits in the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, launched in 2021.

"We could not be more thrilled about the partnership with the International Sámi Film Institute; with such a rich storytelling tradition, we look forward to seeing how we can contribute to developing these stories further. At Netflix, we want to support communities in the regions we operate in, including up-and-coming creators, to give new voices a chance to be heard", said Claire Willats, Director of Film, Netflix Nordics.

Among the new Sámi voices set to reach global viewers via Netflix is Kautokeino-born composer, director and producer Elle Márjá Eira. The latter who has directed several short films (Ealát, The Sámi Have Rights), will make her feature debut with the major screen version of author Ann-Helén Laestadius’ critically-acclaimed novel Stolen, to be adapted by seasoned scriptwriter Peter Birro (Monica Z, Viva Hate, How Soon is Now?).

Stolen has been published in more than 20 countries - including the UK, US, Germany - and won the Book of the Year Award in Sweden in 2021.

The novel portrays a young woman’s struggle to defend her indigenous heritage at a time when xenophobia, climate change are threatening both the indigenous people and their environment. It also lays bare the clashes between modern society and ancient patriarchal structures.

“It is about time that the world gets to know this story, and what is going on in Sápmi today. I am a reindeer owner myself, and I recognise myself in this story. I also know that my fellow indigenous sisters, brothers and ancestors are with me. I am proud and grateful that Netflix and Ann-Helén Laestadius have given me this opportunity, and cannot wait to bring it to a new audience,” she said.

Stolen is due to start shooting In Sápmi in the spring 2023, with a premiere in 2024.

Elle Márjá Eira is also among six artists showcased at Venice’s Árran 360 until September 10.

One of her films as well as work by rising Sámi filmmakers Marja Helander, Ann Holmgren, Hans Pieski, Siljá Somby and Liselotte Wajstedt, are being exhibited on monumental 360-degree screens covering the walls of the largest lávvu (teepee-like structure) ever built. The film project is set on the Venetian island of San Servolo.

Árran 360 is co-organised by the Norwegian Film Institute and the Office for Contemporary Art Norway, as an extension of Sámi Pavilion Exhibition at the Biennale Arte di Venezia 2022.