Written and Directed by Ole Giæver
Starring Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen and Gard Emil

As one of many of us who once needed to keep an integral part of my true identity privy from others, I could effortlessly empathise with Let The River Flow’s lead character, Ester (Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen). In fact, and irrespective of the specifics, many people will be able to resonate with more than one of this film’s themes.

With everyone around her constantly making negative remarks of Sámi people and their growing activism against the government’s plan to build a dam on their land, it’s no wonder the already reticent Ester is further silenced and burdened with shame of her heritage. As each day passes where the bias against her and her people even extends to her own family and workplace as a school teacher, Ester is filled with increasing determination to start making some noise.

The person to lend some sort of licence to Ester taking part in protests and discovering others like her is her cousin, Mihkkal (played by Gard Emil). Further fuelling her inspiration to make a stand against the dam’s construction is its risk of flooding their land in which generations have lived, laboured, and loved. As the movement gains momentum and grows in number, Ester’s personal journey to surmount lifelong oppression commences.

Though the central character Ester is fictional, Let The River Flow is based on true events that took place between 1979-1981. Despite this and the described synopsis preparing audiences for a dramatic experience and conclusion, I have to say it is quite the opposite. This slowly paced film remains equally committed to its focus being Ester’s personal journey as it does to presenting the story in a muted tone. While I commend the decision to create this fictional female character, utilise her to raise globally resonant themes and make that the focal point, I’m afraid to say that Let The River Flow causes the ripple effect of a motionless sea. Furthermore, the film’s writing assumes audience knowledge of the real life event depicted and uses language that wouldn’t be widely known. Again, I acknowledge this film is less about the event than it is about the person. However, it is ultimately the catalyst for the evolution of the character of Ester and seems to inadvertently undermine its own importance.

Let The River Flow is showing in selected cinemas across Australia as part of the Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival from July 13th to August 2nd.

Moviedoc thanks Palace and MB Publicity for the invite to the opening night film festival screening.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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