Let the River Flow
Ellos eatnu - La elva leve
Synopsis
During summer 1979, Ester moves to Alta in Northern Norway to begin teaching at an elementary school. Like many Sámi at the time, she is ashamed of her heritage and conceals her ethnicity. Ester goes to great lengths to fit in, even joining in with the derogatory jokes. When her cousin Mikkhal takes her to a camp by the Alta River, where people are demonstrating against the building of a dam, Ester learns how the fight for the river is also a revolt against the years of brutal racism and discrimination against her people. After a major confrontation with the police, Mikkhal and some other Sámi decide to go to Oslo to hunger strike in front of the Parliament. Knowing what is at stake, Ester realises it is time to make a stand…
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2023-02-01
Top Cast
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Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen
Ester
Gard Emil Elvenes
Mihkkal
Sofia Jannok
Risten
Beaska Niillas
Piera
Marie Kvernmo
Marit
Finn Arve Sørbøe
Stein
William Sigvaldsen
Thomas
Mary Sarre
Áhkku
Ivar Beddari
Gøran
Maria Bock
Principal
Ingá Elisá Påve Idivuoma
Sami Colleague
Hanne Mathisen Haga
Siv Anita
Marianne Kristoffersen
Norwegian colleague
Kristine Cornelie M. Hartgen
Norwegian colleague
Gina Lindås Theodorsen
Norwegian colleague
Robert Amadeus Gaup Mienna
Ailu
Mikkel Gaup
Ailu's Father
Trond Peter Stamsø Munch
Harald
Release History & Theatrical Window
Birrarangga Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
December 20, 2023
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$4.5M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
Pending
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ole Giæver
- Screenplay & Story
- Ole Giæver
- Original Score
- Ola Fløttum, Pessi Levanto
- Original Title
- Ellos eatnu - La elva leve
- Country of Origin
- Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden
- Spoken Languages
- Norwegian, Northern Sami, Swedish
- Runtime
- 1h 58m
- Production Budget
- $4.5M
- Production Studios
- Mer Film, Bufo, Zentropa International Sweden, Knudsen Pictures, Helmet AS
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ole Giæver
Ole Giæver
Ola Fløttum, Pessi Levanto
Marius Matzow Gulbrandsen
Wibecke Rønseth
Maria Ekerhovd, Axel Helgeland
Department Leadership Roster
Ole Giæver
Director
Maria Ekerhovd
Producer
Ola Fløttum
Original Music Composer
Pessi Levanto
Original Music Composer
Ragnhild Juliane Sletta
Production Design
Nell Knudsen
Costume Design
Wibecke Rønseth
Editor
Cecilie De Lange
Production Design
Ole Giæver
Writer
Marius Matzow Gulbrandsen
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Let the River Flow.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Norway
Imported from IMDb list
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Frequently Asked Questions About Let the River Flow
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Let the River Flow about?
During summer 1979, Ester moves to Alta in Northern Norway to begin teaching at an elementary school. Like many Sámi at the time, she is ashamed of her heritage and conceals her ethnicity. Ester goes to great lengths to fit in, even joining in with the derogatory jokes. When her cousin Mikkhal takes her to a camp by the Alta River, where people are demonstrating against the building of a dam, Ester learns how the fight for the river is also a revolt against the years of brutal racism and discrimination against her people. After a major confrontation with the police, Mikkhal and some other Sámi decide to go to Oslo to hunger strike in front of the Parliament. Knowing what is at stake, Ester realises it is time to make a stand…
Who directed Let the River Flow?
Let the River Flow was directed by Ole Giæver.
Who stars in Let the River Flow?
The principal cast of Let the River Flow includes Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, Gard Emil Elvenes, Sofia Jannok, Beaska Niillas, Marie Kvernmo.
When was Let the River Flow released and how long is it?
Let the River Flow was released in 2023 with a total runtime of 1h 58m.
Who composed the musical score for Let the River Flow?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Let the River Flow was composed by Ola Fløttum, Pessi Levanto.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Let the River Flow?
Let the River Flow holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.).