Creating cross-border collaboration in film education in the Sámi region and piloting an innovative traineeship programme model for Sámi film productions

We sought to develop and strengthen cooperation between upper secondary film and media education and the Sámi film industry, while addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in Sámi film production. The Sámi film industry is experiencing rapid growth and increasing interest. At the same time, the Sámi region, which spans four countries, faces challenges such as limited study and work opportunities for young people in their home areas. By building collaboration between Sámi Education Institute (SAKK) in Finland and Kalix folkhögskola in Sweden and connecting with the International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI) in Norway, the project aimed to strengthen vocational education, promote inclusion and diversity, and support the development of the Sámi film industry. The project also responded to the need for traineeship models that reflect the realities of Sámi film productions and the cultural context of Indigenous filmmaking. Cooperation and exchange of best practices would benefit all project partners. We aimed to develop collaboration between the film industry and education and to strengthen networks with working life.

The objective was to develop film education in the Sámi region in cooperation with Sámi Education Institute, Kalix folkhögskola and International Sámi Film Institute. We wanted to ensure that film and media education better meets the needs of the rapidly changing and developing Sámi film industry. The objective was to adapt film education and training to labour market needs and to increase the flexibility of opportunities for Sámi youth and youth in the Sámi region. The goal was to share best practices in film and media education programmes and to strengthen collaboration with companies, such as production firms. Another objective was to pilot a traineeship programme for Sámi film productions, enabling future professionals to gain work experience and build networks in the Sámi film industry early in their careers. The objective was to pilot cross-border traineeship model and collect feedback from trainees, people working in productions and mentors, as well as from ISFI, which coordinated cooperation between film productions and trainees. By implementing this project, we wanted to provide more education opportunities in the film industry to the youth of the Sámi region.

The project strengthened cooperation between SAKK, Kalix folkhögskola, and ISFI through study trips, workshops and events. The network in the film industry was expanded through company visits and traineeships. We piloted a cross-border traineeship programme in Sámi and Nordic film productions, involving 12 trainees. We focused on impact and dissemination, including workshops, participation in Sámi film events, and a webinar. Activities included teacher and student study visits, student workshops, company visits and digital collaboration. All activities promoted inclusion, cultural sustainability, and vocational education aligned with labour market needs.

The project produced two key reports. Collaboration and Learning through Film and Media report presents best practices in film and media education in the Sámi region. Strengthening Skills and Building Careers -report provides recommendations and guidelines for implementing traineeships in film productions in collaboration with educational institutions in the Sámi region. The project piloted a traineeship programme with 12 participants across six productions in Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The traineeship model increased students’ and teachers’ skills, networks, and understanding of the Sámi film industry. Cooperation between schools and ISFI was strengthened. The final webinar, workshops, and participation in events in the Sami region expanded dissemination and awareness of the project results. The project led to the launch of the Film Exčelerator Sápmi programme and improved future opportunities for Sámi youth in film education and employment.