The Tundra Within Me

After living for many years in Oslo, Sámi artist Lena (Risten Anine Kvernmo Gaup) moves back to Sápmi in Northern Norway with her young son to explore Sámi gender in an art project. While researching in the wintry tundra, she falls in love with hardworking reindeer herder Máhtte (Nils Ailu Kemi). Lena is suffocated by the expectations of others in the town, who view her as an outsider, and Máhtte’s mother, the matriarch of the family, disapproves of the relationship. As decisions from the past come to haunt her and her art is questioned, Lena struggles to find out whether her and Máhtte's lifestyles can ever be compatible. A sincere directorial debut from writer/director Sara Margrethe Oskal, a former reindeer herder, THE TUNDRA WITHIN ME is a poignant exploration of heritage, authenticity, resilience and identity. Featuring awe-inspiring icy landscapes, this drama reveals the depth of connection between the Sámi people, the environment and reindeer herding, and is a beautiful story of new love and returning home.