Imagine a world where ancient indigenous tales come alive on screen, bridging cultures and sparking global conversations about identity and heritage. That's the magic of Sámi director Oskar Östergren Njajta's upcoming animated film 'Saajve,' and it's about to captivate audiences everywhere. But here's where it gets controversial: In a time when representation matters more than ever, is animation the right medium to reclaim and share a culture threatened by colonization? Let's dive into this epic journey and see why it might just redefine how we view indigenous storytelling.
The Nordic-Baltic animation scene never fails to surprise us, delivering fresh takes on culture and creativity. Hot on the heels of news about co-director Liane-Cho Han's latest venture for 'Little Amélie,' festival-goers at the Fredrikstad Animation Festival were treated to an exclusive sneak peek at 'Saajve,' a groundbreaking feature directed by the talented Sámi-Swedish filmmaker Oskar Östergren Njajta.
This thrilling adventure draws deep inspiration from traditional Sámi fairy tales, following the courageous siblings Bräjta and Aanta as they embark on a extraordinary quest into the parallel realm of Saajve—a mystical spirit world brimming with secrets. In this enchanting domain, the young protagonists receive a critical mission: to rescue the goddess Uksahka, whose presence ensures harmony between the magical Saajve and the everyday world they call home. It's a tale that weaves mythology with bravery, perfect for young viewers eager for stories that mirror their own realities.
Produced as a collaboration between Sweden and Norway, with Swedish outfit Bauta Film taking the lead and Norwegian partner Krystallplaneten on board, 'Saajve' represents Njajta's first foray into animated features. That said, his background is rich with experience—he's directed and produced numerous live-action films dating back to the early 2000s, bringing a seasoned touch to this new format.
At the Fredrikstad event, where Njajta revealed stunning new visuals and animatics for the project, set for a 2027 release, Cartoon Brew had the opportunity to chat with the director about his vision for showcasing Sámi culture through animation.
Cartoon Brew: What drove you to bring this narrative to life using animation?
Oskar Östergren Njajta: This story stems straight from my soul. As a Sámi person myself, I was raised surrounded by these narratives—folktales passed down through families, along with myths and legends that teach us how our community connects with the natural world and the spirits dwelling in it. These aren't just stories; they're woven into our daily existence. For me, animation offered the ideal canvas to introduce these elements to younger generations, making them feel acknowledged and mirrored in cinematic form.
The idea for 'Saajve' initially took shape in 2015, when I conceived it as a television series. However, the funding landscape in Sweden at that time leaned heavily toward full-length features, prompting us to pivot and develop it as a movie instead.
And this is the part most people miss: The Sámi were only formally acknowledged as an indigenous people in Sweden during the late 1970s, much later than many might expect. Does this film represent a broader push to illuminate Sámi history and traditions?
I see parallels between the Sámi experience and those of other marginalized groups affected by colonization. Our history of oppression peaked in the 1900s, making it strikingly recent and still vivid in collective memory. Sweden actively worked to erase our language and customs, yet that effort ultimately failed.
My journey with this project began in 2015, when I attended a showing of the inaugural South Sámi feature film, which I helped co-produce. It coincided with the centennial of the earliest Sámi demonstrations in Sweden. The theater was overflowing with individuals encountering their cultural heritage on the big screen for the first time—a profoundly moving experience. That night, I resolved to ensure the next generation views themselves not as passive subjects, but as active protagonists in narratives from their own perspectives.
Yet, these tales have universal appeal. I firmly believe that crafting something genuine for a tight-knit group can transcend boundaries and touch hearts across the globe. For beginners wondering about Sámi culture, think of it as a rich tapestry of reindeer herding, shamanistic traditions, and a deep reverence for nature—similar to how Native American tribes in the U.S. or Aboriginal communities in Australia maintain strong spiritual ties to their lands.
But here's where it gets controversial: In an era of cultural appropriation debates, is it empowering or risky to adapt indigenous folklore for a global audience? Some argue it risks dilution, while others see it as vital reclamation. What are your thoughts?
Cartoon Brew: Could you elaborate on your artistic style?
It's essential to note that there's no established Sámi animation sector. As the project's writer and director, I collaborated with a small team, but we expanded our horizons to realize this vision. My brother, an exceptional artist skilled in traditional mediums like pen, pencil, and watercolor, handled the foundational concept art and visual design. Together, we shaped the aesthetic for characters and environments, exploring the universe's rules and the heroes' traits.
From there, digital creators transformed these ideas into a hybrid animation style, merging computer-generated characters with hand-drawn elements for a seamless blend.
Cartoon Brew: How did Sámi symbols and history shape your design choices?
Within the universe of 'Saajve,' much like in authentic Sámi folklore, birds hold a central role—they're the sole beings capable of navigating between human and spirit worlds. We made it a priority to embed this symbolism into their appearance and movement.
Take our antagonist, the Crow, who allies with the ferocious giant Stalloe, a classic figure from Sámi tales. Intriguingly, Stalloe will be voiced by the acclaimed actor and director Peter Stormare, adding a layer of star power to the mix.
Moreover, we aimed to evoke the authentic ambiance of Sámi landscapes—the distinctive silhouettes of trees, the ethereal pink and purple heavens. For Saajve's spiritual domain, we turned to Sámi mythology and the diverse wildlife of Lapland to build a fantastical setting. Traditional Sámi textile patterns also informed the designs, with characters adorned in reindeer hide garments, enhancing the sense of authenticity and grounding the story in reality.
For those attuned to Sámi iconography, the film incorporates subtle nods, such as the drum's form, a potent emblem in our legacy. These details enrich the experience for insiders without excluding newcomers, much like how a hidden Easter egg in a video game rewards attentive players.
Cartoon Brew: What about the audio elements and score?
We're actively refining that aspect right now. With our initial animatic in hand, we're fine-tuning the sound design and composing the music alongside our talented composer. I'm thrilled he came on board early—we've already nailed our central melody, which sets the emotional tone for the entire production.
Our goal is for the film to not just depict nature, but to immerse listeners in it. We've captured a wealth of real-world sounds to integrate into the audio, creating an organic, immersive atmosphere that feels alive and true to the environment.
Cartoon Brew: What's on the horizon for 'Saajve'?
We've already produced a six-minute pilot short as a proof-of-concept to demonstrate the potential to potential partners. Now, we're scaling it up to a 65- to 70-minute feature targeting a slightly more mature audience. Animation and post-production will occur in 2026, split between Sweden and Norway, with a 2027 debut in sight.
The total budget clocks in at around €2.3 million, utilizing a mixed approach of hand-drawn and computer-rigged animation. Funding is secured, and we're actively scouting international sales representatives, networks, and distributors across Europe and further afield to enhance the film's final polish.
In 2026, we'll be presenting the project at various markets and organizing multiple work-in-progress viewings to build buzz around this one-of-a-kind Sámi animated work. Keep your eyes peeled for updates!
What Do You Think? Do you believe animation can effectively preserve and promote indigenous cultures, or does it sometimes oversimplify complex histories? Is the blending of traditional elements with modern storytelling a form of cultural empowerment, or could it lead to unintended misrepresentation? Share your opinions in the comments—do you agree with our take, or do you see it differently? Let's start a conversation!
