A collaboration of various Finnish institutes will bring Suvi West's political documentary 'Eatnameamet - Our Silent Struggle' to Cinema Galeries (Brussels) at 19:00 on Thursday 28 September.
The documentary highlights the struggles of the Sámi people – the only recognised indigenous population of the EU – and will be introduced by the Vice President of the Sámi Parliament Anni Koivisto and activist Ida-Maria Helander in the presence of the Finnish Presidency of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council and the Sámi Parliament.
"The treatment of Sámi people throughout history has not followed any of the international laws, and when it comes to the Sámi people, the government has violated both civil rights and its own laws in many ways," Finnish director and screenplay writer Suvi West wrote. "The story is universal, as many indigenous peoples are experiencing the same struggle around the world."
"It is important to constantly discuss Sámi issues and to raise awareness of the Sámi people among policymakers, societal influencers and researchers," stated Finnish Cultural Institute Directors Laura Boxberg and Jaakko Nousiainen.
Like most indigenous people around the world, the Sámi people are struggling to preserve their culture, heritage and right to their native lands (Sapmi), which stretch from Sweden to Finland as well as outside of the EU in Norway and Russia. Their way of life close to the Arctic Circle is also particularly threatened by climate change.
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The documentary screening is part of a larger series of events organised by the Embassy of Finland in Brussels to increase awareness about the challenges faced by the Sámi people in Europe.
The documentary is in North Sámi and Finnish with subtitles in Finnish and English, and is free of charge. Visitors must register for the event as space is limited. Drinks will be served after the screening, and members of the delegation will be present to talk to anyone interested in learning more about the Sámi people's plight.
