Native Minds with Anne Lajla Utsi

In the far north of the planet, above the Arctic circle and under the northern lights live the Sámi, the Indigenous peoples of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Eastern Russia.

They call their lands Sápmi. Anne Lajla Utsi is the Managing Director of the International Sámi Film Institute. She and the Institute’s Film Commissioner Liisa Holmberg are the dynamic duo leading the way in the development of a Sámi film voice for the modern age.

The many Indigenous peoples of Sápmi and the wider Arctic Circle lands are engaged in their own existential struggles for recognition and autonomy. They must negotiate with themselves, with many countries, and the deadly uncertainties of climate change.

Sámi film offers landscapes of exquisite beauty, and resurgent native pride as a context for bracing and emotional film storytelling.

Māoriland Charitable Trust is honoured to host Anne Lajla as the inaugural Māoriland Film Resident. She and her whānau are living in Ōtaki until Christmas.

Native Minds is excited to offer our community the chance to meet Anne Lajla, to hear of her story and that of a far north people who have become very dear to us all. We welcome you to Māoriland for the next in this series of interesting Indigenous discussions.

Doors open 6:30pm for a 7pm start.
Koha entry.

Coffee & Cake available for sale.