Njuokcamat (The Tongues)

Drama, 2019, Norway, Director: Marja Bål Nango, Co-Director: Ingir Bål Nango, Producer: Elisa Fernanda Pirir, Language: Sámi with English subtitles, 15 min.

During a blizzard on the tundra, a Sámi woman is herding her reindeer when she is attacked by a man. Her sister senses that something is wrong and starts looking for her. Wrapped in fear and confusion, both women will unite in their fight for revenge.

About the Film

Njuokcamat (The Tongues) is strong visual and exploratory film that deals with the taboo theme of the abuse of women in indigenous communities in Northern Norway. The story takes place in a wild and beautiful winter landscape where both nature and animals are essential elements of the story.

Co-director siblings Marja Bål Nango and Ingir Bål Nango live in the Tundra in arctic Norway and are the daughters of Sami indigenous reindeer herders, which is their heritage.

The film won Best International Short Film at the Palms Springs International Short FF 2020, Best Live Action Short at ImagineNative Film Festival 2020 and Best Director at The Rhode Island International Film Festival 2020.

This film contains mature subject matter and images of animal slaughter

A Conversation with the directors Marja Bål Nango and Ingir Bål Nango and Nicholas Bell, Chief Film Critic at IONCINEMA.COM follows the film.