Origins: Festival of First Nations: Biekka Fabmu (Wind Power) + Panel Discussion

The Sámi are the indigenous people of Northern Europe.  Like their counterparts in other countries, they were the victims of colonial policies, including the suppression of language and culture, residential schools and the forced sterilization of women. In recent years, the culture has been re-asserted, and the annual Festival of Riddu Riddu is a key part of that process.

This film was commissioned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the festival in 2011. No-one envisaged that, during the festival, a bomb would be detonated in Oslo, and a gunman would attack young people on a holiday island. This eloquent and moving documentary charts the impact of these actions on people who believe in diversity and equality, and sounds a warning to our own fragile multiculturalism.

Followed by a Panel Discussion on Indigenous Festivals in the Contemporary World, with Origins Director Michael Walling, Artistic Associate Helen Gilbert & Merindah Donnelly, Indigneous Programme Officer for the Australian Council for the Arts and Festival curator. Chair: Dione Joseph.

Supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London.