Documentary about Sàmi Multi-Artist Hans-Ragnar Mathisen in the Making

The Sàmi visual artist and writer Hans-Ragnar Mathisen (Elle-Hànsa) is being brought to the big screen. The documentary named Keviselie, after his artist name, now receives NOK 500 000 in development subsidies, writes the Norwegian Film Institute. 

The 77-year-old multi-artist is from Eastern Finnmark in Northern Norway and has lived in Tromsø for the majority of his life. Mathisen is considered an artist-activist that has fought for his freedom as a Sàmi artist against all odds. He is especially known for his artistically formed maps of Sàpmi with Sàmi place names and for his efforts for indigenous people's rights.

The maps are central in the fight for the revitalization of Sàpmi - and young people can find inspiration in his life and work to handle fear in a world in increasingly stronger social and ecological crises. That is how the documentary is described, where Elle Márjá Eira, who is a Sàmi multi-artist and director, meets Keviselie and builds a bridge between generations. 

Eira, who also produces a Sàmi film for Netflix, is responsible for the script and direction of Keviselie together with Christine Cynn. Sara Beate Eira is the producer. The subsidies for the project are part of a scheme to promote diversity within Norwegian documentaries.

"This is amazing! I am thrilled to be able to continue this project. We have followed Hans Ragnar for quite some time already. He is one of the most prominent persons in Sàpmi and his art is very important to me personally," says Eira in the press release.

Mathisen has received several awards for his work. This fall, he was appointed a knight of the order of St. Olav and honorary doctor at UiT the Arctic University of Norway.