Spirits

synopsis

Digital animation brings to life drawings of the northern lights created in 1839 by French graphic artist Louis Bévalet in the Sami territory in northern Norway. Multiplying curves mark infinite spaces penetrated by a hypnotic ritual yoik performed by indigenous Sami musician Ánnámáret, accompanied by the jouhikko string instrument. The song evokes the memory of Sami ancestors, whose spirits – Vuoiŋŋat – still wander the landscape of Sápmi.

“The work is dedicated to the memory of the Sámi people who were exhumed from their graves in burial grounds in Sápmi approximately 100–150 years ago in the name of genetic research that was carried out for racist reasons. The remains of these robbed bodies have only recently been reburied in 2022 in Sápmi in the Inari, Utsjoki, and Nellim territories.” — Marja Viitahuhta

biography

Marja Viitahuhta (b. 1979) is a media artist and filmmaker originally from Lapland, now living in Helsinki. Her award-winning works explore the layered nature of memory, identity, and commodified images of the landscape, often using documentary techniques and found footage. As a member of the group surrounding Sámi musician Ánnámáret, she combines film images with music at concerts and festivals.

film details

director:	Marja Viitahuhta
producer:	Marja Viitahuhta, Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman
script:	Marja Viitahuhta
editing:	Marja Viitahuhta
music:	Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman, Ilkka Heinonen, Turkka Inkilä
art director:	Marja Viitahuhta

contact

Marja Viitahuhta
marjamikko@hotmail.com