Rovaniemi, Finland – The University of Lapland has announced the launch of a pioneering Master’s program in Arctic Indigenous Cinema, set to start in 2026. Unveiled at the Skábmagovat Film Festival in Aanaar/Inari this two-year program is designed to equip Indigenous filmmakers with the skills and tools to bring their stories to life, blending traditional storytelling with modern digital media.
Taught in English, the program follows a hybrid learning model, combining distance education with intensive on-site sessions in Rovaniemi. Students will also participate in field visits across Sápmi, gaining hands-on experience and direct engagement with Indigenous communities.
The Arctic Indigenous Cinema Master’s Program is developed in collaboration with the University of Lapland (Finland), Sámi Allaskuvla (Norway), and Umeå University (Sweden) in the project Indigenous Digital Storytelling with New Media. The project is funded by Interreg Aurora, an EU programme supporting cross-border cooperation. Launched as a pilot, the project aims to establish a long-term academic framework for Indigenous cinema education.
During the announcement week, all Interreg Aurora project partners participated in a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) workshop, where they collectively committed to aligning the Cinema Master’s program with UN SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The initiative promotes peace through storytelling, strengthens Sámi and Indigenous representation in cinema, enhances access to film education, and provides platforms for authentic narratives.
By integrating academic research, cultural heritage, and digital media, this initiative empowers Sámi filmmakers, fosters cross-cultural understanding, preserves Indigenous heritage, and amplifies Indigenous voices on both local and global stages.
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YLE News: Arctic Indigenous Cinema Master’s Program
New Arctic Indigenous Cinema Degree Program Announced at ULapland – UArctic
