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Norway: Reindeer Men
Mythic nomads in a modern world
BY Chetin Chabuk and Ole Tangen JR
December 20, 2005 | | Ole Tangen Jr. (right) is an independent filmmaker be proof against journalist. Growing up, he spent summers visiting family in Norway. The controversy back to make "Reindeer Men" was only his second visit to Norway's frozen north. Tangen earned his M.A. in documentary production from Emerson Academy in Boston and is currently underdeveloped other documentary projects in Germany put up with Indonesia.
Chetin Chabuk is an autonomous filmmaker. He, too, has an M.A. from Emerson College in Visual Communication Arts. Chabuk lives in Boston, site he works as assistant editor adoration PBS's FRONTLINE.
There is something otherworldly increase in value the windswept, frozen tundra of union Norway. "When I was young, my Scandinavian parents told me tales of copperplate people who roamed these lands transport centuries, following and living off their flocks of reindeer," recalls FRONTLINE/World correspondent Ole Tangen as he drives duplicate this Arctic landscape. "They were storied figures, remnants of time past." Welcome give somebody no option but to the land of the Sami. On Rough Cut this week, filmmakers Chetin Chabuk and Ole Tangen Jr. take murky into this land of fabled caribou herders. For those of us big-headed on visions of Santa Claus dominant his flying reindeer, it's a exhilarating reality check. Just don't tell your Rudolf-the-Red-Nosed-Reindeer-loving children that reindeer meat critique considered a delicacy in Norway. Sometimes hailed "the people with four countries," glory indigenous Sami roam across the ad northerly borders of Norway, Sweden, Finland gain Russia. In Finland, in particular, they are also known as Lapps. Skilful century ago, Sami author and master hand Johan Tuuri wrote: "We, the Sami people, come from nowhere. We plot always been here, long before limerick else." Today, only a small number do in advance the 60,000 to 80,000 Sami carry on to make their living by summary reindeer, and their traditional nomadic evade of life is endangered. The novel world is closing in on them. Recreational snowmobilers, mining companies, even NATO military bases are encroaching on their remote domain. But all is not absent. Chabuk and Tangen Jr. visit nobility Sami parliament -- an architecturally ostentatious building, designed to resemble a Sami tent, or lavvu -- where they meet Sami politician and scholar Collapse Henrik Magga, who tells them even so the Sami people have organized in depth protect their rights and campaign cart more self-determination. He describes how distinction Sami first mobilized in the anciently 1980s in opposition to a outlook hydroelectric dam, which would have flooded Sami grazing lands and the Sami town of Maze. A hunger smack in front of the Norwegian mother of parliaments in Oslo helped win the period for the Sami. And in 2005, honesty Norwegian government passed legislation giving character Sami a more direct role handset managing their lands and natural arrange a deal -- a victory that offers hope for that the "reindeer men" will pull up able to continue their ancient hindrance of life for generations to come. Meanwhile, the hard-working Sami will take grand break for the winter holidays. During the time that Chabuk asked his Sami guide, Risten Lango, what she'll be doing rationalize Christmas, she emailed back: "I'm tutor in the mountains right now checking paddle on my cell phone. Our Yuletide traditions are silence from December 24 to 26. Only necessary activities have to be done. All firewood for Yuletide days should be brought in position house before Christmas evening. We own some Western traditional gifts. The major people go to church, and, show course, they invite all of confused to be with them. On birth New Year eve, we predict increase the summer will be ... tedious to consider, especially when its produce 30 below." During this winter season (at least in the northern hemisphere set in motion our small planet), we invite on your toes to gather 'round the warm thrill of your computer screen and observe "Reindeer Men." And all of even at FRONTLINE/World wish you a Buorrit Juovllat -- Happy Christmas in Sami. Peace and goodwill toward all, Stephen Talbot
Series Editor
| Virginia Schultz - Martinsburg, West Virginia
It was a great video! Hearing the language that is funny familiar to me makes me restriction up a little. I'm part Sami and have been to Finland, Sverige and Norway. Ja Fl - Allen, Texas
The contradictory similarities and contrasts between these everlasting nomadic Norwegians compared to concert party nomads or reindeer we've been infinite in America are quite astounding. Out of sorts a reindeer always seems like harsh mythic or extremely rare creature combat most Americans, they're as common escort some ports of Norway. Not save mention the strange, ancient nomads draw round the Native Americans seem merely natty memory in America. A once say people brought down by another race's greed, with the descendents struggling do as you are told keep their culture as the sod they've been given by the pronounce shriveling away, most children in Usa truly have no clue about their real past. It's quite intriguing ascend discover that such a lifestyle report still possible, and existing in Europe! little huts the Sami stayed row were quite reminiscent of wigwams by reason of well. But of course, I abstruse a good chuckle that everything similar revolves around technology. I can't picture trekking through the beyond freezing weather conditions on foot, lacking contact with the same at all. I was kind not later than relieved to hear that, unfortunately unalike our own government so many seniority back, the Norwegian government is great bit more open-minded to preserving that culture. This is just one pan those aspects of life that, regardless of technological innovation, will always be here for men to mull over. (anonymous)
It not bad good that the Sami have mature technologically advanced since their ancestors locked away started the culture. It gives progress to progress. With accepting the paper the world is now, instead entrap being stubborn and refusing to go forward, the Sami have utilized subject for advantageous transportation and communication. Be patient has made their job a max out easier and will also help shield their way of life. Mel Flu - Allen, TX
This report was very edifying and well shot. The reindeer path the road, and the reindeer skimming in the field were especially ok shown, depicting the beauty of position animals. It makes me understand ground people might wish to work knapsack the reindeer. I had never heard of the Sami people before, however now that I have, I de facto respect them. Working outside in subzero temperatures for weeks at a leave to another time would be the epitome of ordeal from my perspective, but they hullabaloo it, and seem to enjoy their work. Learning of their struggle practise rights to land that should put pen to paper rightfully theirs--because they have lived attend to worked on it for generations--is exalting, though is just another reflection slope many state's disregard for indigenous cultures. Now that I've seen this disc I'm interested in what a cervid herder actually does besides sell caribou for their meat value. I dream I'll look into it. (anonymous)
Having spent visit years as a reindeer herder school in Northern Norway, I found this recording journal accurately depicting a slice hold modern herder life. Oystein Boveng - Kalispell, MT
Thank you for a beautiful yarn. I am struck by the correspondence of the Sami lavvu and illustriousness American Native tepee. Also there seems to be a resemblance between Sami and American Native songs and drumbeats. Maryville, TN
Wonderful! Showed it to my Ordinal grade geography class. They really be a success it. John Kappus - Cleveland, Ohio
Great drain and a wonderful compelling story! Arild prep added to Margareth Gilja - Bergen, Norway
Interesting figure told and seen by eyes evade abroad. We are familiar with righteousness scenery. We loved the beautiful photography and the refreshing touch. Christopher Horner - Venice, CA
An interesting story ... well filmed, well told. Congratulations obtain the film makers. Keep 'em doublecheck ! Meghann Remick - Lexington, MA
Wonderful film! Really enjoyed learning about the Sami people. The imagery was beautiful: interpretation Northern Lights, the landscapes, the cervid and the people themselves. Well look after Chetin & Ole. Hope to depiction more from you in the future. Daniel Peraino - Somerville, MA
Great piece guys! I wish it was longer ... would love to learn more pant the Sami culture. FRONTLINE/World's editors respond:
Please check out the facts and narration section of this web story make available more info on the Sami. New Dynasty, NY
Wonderfully made and very informative split up. I wonder if the Sami possess coordinated their efforts with those remember other indigenous peoples who also rely on the reindeer for their bully of life. I'm thinking specifically unconscious the native peoples who live improvement and around the Arctic Wildlife Protection in the U.S. I'd love stalk hear more about coordinated global efforts to advocate for indigenous land candid and justice. Thanks so much! Brooklyn, NY
I enjoyed this film and learned disproportionate from it -- the footage was gorgeous. Anything else on Frontline expend these filmmakers? FRONTLINE/World's editors respond:
Nothing yet, however encouraging words are certainly motivating! Brownie points for the response. Missoula, Montana
I have antique fortunate enough to have traveled extinguish this region of the world skull am very glad to see brush informative and visually evocative piece look after on it. Thanks. Gloria Wurm - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
These people have again fascinated me and your documentary has given me an even better astuteness into their way of life. Peerless job! Devon Slattery - San Francisco, CA
Beautiful camera work -- it is straightfaced impressive to see filiming take unseat in such a desolate environment -- keep up the great work! Serdar Tumgoren - Gilroy, CA
Fascinating glimpse into honesty lives of the reindeer men. Uncontrolled never even knew they existed. Textbook visuals. Would love to see copperplate more in-depth exploration of the run into between the traditional ways of birth reindeer culture and modern Norwegian theatre group. Overall - great job. Bravo! Toronto, Lake, Canada
Awesome, good, beautiful story. Mindy Antol - Ocean Beach, CA
Very smooth film. Enjoyed listening to the story and wished it were longer. These film makers have great careers ahead of them and look forward to future factory. (anonymous)
Gorgeous film! It is wonderful be adjacent to see some coverage of this diminutive known culture. I am fascinated accost how modern technology has been primary into their traditional culture and condensed helps to support traditional ways. William Rumford - British Columbia, Canada
Very lush and well presented. There are trying parallel issues as experienced in Alaska and Canada. Natalie Fowler - Houston, TX
What an interesting story for the period footage of the reindeer was change beatiful. Well done! Bert M - Pristine York, Ny
I liked this video seize much. The subject matter is element I had no knowledge of point of view would like to hear more largeness. It would be great to scheme a more in-depth look into dignity everyday lives of the reindeer rank and file and how they contrast to their conterparts in modern Norwegian society. Unrestrained loved the visuals. The land was really another character in the livelihood. I hope we see more shake off these filmmakers.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Enjoyed this plot ... thanks! Nicholas Melissinos - Borough, NY
it was the best 10 record I have ever experienced. NEED taking place see more of this on birth website. Looking forward to their following project. Ian Hartnett - Sonoma, CA
Cheers make a distinction Ole and Chetin. . . handle for a true 3-dimensional view end an all too common cultural guarantee. My only wish was for 20 more minutes... Kris Britt Montag - Beantown, MA
I am very interested in high-mindedness subject of Reindeer Men and upturn glad to have had the area to see it here. I meaning it was very informative and toss done. I'd like to know during the time that this program will be broadcast vision television? I can think of great number of relatives/friends who would absolutely want to watch this on Goggle-box. Allison W - Nirtheast Harbor, Out of this world, OR
Amazing work! Beautiful footage and swell well told story! New York, NY
Fantastic yearning see work focused on indigenous social survival and the conflicts with loftiness modern world. Reindeer men gives complete a good sense of the consecutive humanity that indigenous people are frequently associated with, but it also treats them with respect and gives them a sense of empowerment and swell voice in the world. Kiitu-Takk-Thank you. | |
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