Youth Series Shut Up Nominated for Best LImited Series

by

The Sámi/Norwegian Youth Series “Så tyst” (Oro Jaska) tackles sensitive topics that are frequently unspoken in indigenous communities and has been nominated for the Best Limited Series at the 2025 Banff World Media Festival’s Rockie Awards.

Engaging, relevant, and thought-provoking, the acclaimed Sámi/Norwegian series “Speak No More (Oro Jaska)” delves into matters of concern for modern youth, such as sexual misconduct, identity related to queer communities, and other topics that are frequently considered sensitive in indigenous societies where conversations about these subjects are often avoided.

Having already received acclaim in its home country, the Norwegian production is poised to broaden its international fanbase as it receives a nomination for ‘Best Limited Series’ at the 2025 Banff World Media Festival’s Rockie Awards. This prestigious event will take place on Monday, June 9th, in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Moreover, series creators Silje Bürgin-Borch and Vegard Bjørsmo are expected to attend the ceremony.

The story, titled “Silence” (alternatively, “Hush Up”), unfolds in a secluded town nestled in the northernmost reaches of Norway, within the land of Sápmi, home to the indigenous Sámi community. The life of Elli Anne takes an unexpected turn when she becomes a victim of rape and embarks on a quest to uncover her assailant and seek justice in a society deeply rooted in traditions and powerful family bonds.

However, the accusation of rape against the local snow cross champion, Issat, triggers a chain reaction aimed at silencing Elli Anne. For Issat, this allegation poses a significant threat to his own forbidden identity – being queer within the community’s taboos.

Speak No More (Silence Now) marks the debut of the first Sámi TV series tackling societal matters from within and represents the highest quality Sámi TV drama to date. The production team adhered to a single guiding principle: “Nothing about us without us.” Achieving narrative independence and authenticity can be challenging for Indigenous storytellers, so they assembled an exceptional writers’ room consisting of young, Sámi, and queer voices, with series creators Silje Bürgin-Borch and Vegard Bjørsmo leading the way. This is an exhilarating period globally for Indigenous Cinema, particularly for creative minds.

Notable international achievements in film involve projects such as “Sámi Blood,” “Mácchan (Homecoming),” “My Father’s Daughter,” and “Je’vida,” all of which have been screened at TIFF. More recently, the 2025 Berlinale Series Selection titled “A Sámi Wedding (Heajastallan)” has also gained recognition. The International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI) is responsible for these accomplishments.

The individual serves as a significant catalyst for the ongoing Sámi film movement and has actively participated in, as well as showcased various projects, in international markets and film festivals. Most recently, they were featured at the 2025 European Film Market through the Indigenous Cinema Alliance Market Stand.

Silence Please (Hush Now) is a Norwegian creation penned and developed by Silje Bürgin-Borch and Vegard Bjørsmo. It is produced by Alfredfilm for NRK, and it first aired on NRK, YLE, and SVT.

Read More

2025-05-06 09:39