Powerful nature film about the endangered culture of reindeer herders
In the middle of the tundra, in Russia's far north, herdsmen and reindeer live in a symbiosis that has lasted for many thousands of years. However, this unique cultural heritage of Russian-Sami reindeer husbandry threatens to disappear from the map. For a long time now, international mining companies have been targeting the grazing grounds of the tundra. Sascha, young mother and member of the newly founded Sami parliament, is fighting for her home village at the forefront – with commitment and passion.
Director René Harder ("Mr. Pilipenko and His Submarine") shared the life of the reindeer herders in the far north of Russia for a year. Close to the people and in impressive nature shots, he documents the struggle for survival of a people in the present day. His interest is in people who face difficult living conditions with passion and humour. He follows their view of things with his documentary "The Tundra Tale" and creates a poetic and at the same time highly political film.
Festivals / film awards
- 2014: Film Festival Women's Worlds Tübingen, DE
- 2014: Planet in Focus, CA
- 2014: Spirit of Fire, RU
- 2013: Locarno Film Festival, CH, Semaine de la Critique
Production funding
Distribution funding