The documentary Herdswoman
We encounter three Sami women and their lives with the reindeer herds.
Aina, Elisabeth and Lisa belong to different generations. Their stories reflect life in Sápmi (Lapland) and the transition from nomadic existence to modern society. The film relates their pleasure in working with the reindeer. They live with and for their herds. When a court case questions their ancient rights to the reindeers’ pasture their life as reindeer keepers is at risk.
The film illustrates man’s inner driving force and the struggle for existence. It shows the vulnerability of indigenous peoples in modern society and the colonization process, which has led to the present conflict about the right to land and water.
A few photos from the film
Aina off-road with her ATV
Lisa, on board the helicopter
Elisabeth with light backpack
News
PREMIERE 2009 in Australia & Puerto Rico! Herdswoman will have its australian premiere at The Dreaming Festival in Woodford, Australia.
Awards
Herdswoman was awarded with the Documentary Film Prize at the 50th Nordic Film Days in Lübeck. The film has earlier won an Audience Prize and Best Esthetic Award.
The participants
In the old days she used to ski many miles, child and provisions on her back - now she takes to the hills on a four-wheeler or a snow scooter.
The film makers
Hans-Olof Utsi, 38 year-old Sami photographer from Mertajärvi in the northernmost part of Lapland. Since 1994 proprietor of Fotograf Hans-Olof Utsi AB in Kiruna.