From the Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Jesus Camp), FOLKTALES tells the timely and emotional story of teenagers who choose to spend an unconventional “gap year” learning to dog sled and survive the Arctic wilderness, in hopes of finding connection and meaning in the modern world.

COMING SOON

STORY 

Today, Pasvik Folk High School in northern Norway aims to produce a similar life-changing effect on its students. FOLKTALES tells the timely and emotional story of teenagers who choose to spend an unconventional “gap year” learning to dog sled and survive the Arctic wilderness, in hopes of finding connection and meaning in the modern world. Guided by patient teachers and a yard full of Alaskan huskies, they discover their own potential and develop deep relationships with the land, animals and humans around them.

For nearly two centuries, Scandinavian folk high schools – some of which are rooted in the lessons of Norse mythology – have emphasized the power of nature, simplicity, and community to transform young lives. “We hope we can wake up your Stone Age brain,” Pasvik instructor Iselin tells her students.

Through intimate verité storytelling and exhilarating cinematography, Academy Award®-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady examine humans on the cusp of adulthood, finding themselves at the edge of the world.

FILMMAKER

Heidi Ewing co-directed Jesus Camp, The Boys of Baraka, and four documentary projects that screened at the Sundance Film Festival, including DETROPIA (2012, Documentary Editing Award) and Love Fraud (2020). Sony Pictures Classic released Ewing‘s debut narrative feature, I Carry You With Me (2020 Sundance Film Festival), to critical acclaim.

Rachel Grady co-directed Jesus Camp, The Boys of Baraka, One of Us, Endangered, and four documentary projects that screened at the Sundance Film Festival: 12th & Delaware (2010), DETROPIA (2012, Documentary Editing Award), Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You (2016), and Love Fraud (2020).

REVIEWS

“Folktales is not only magical and warm, it’s also a bracing interlude of good cheer.” - The Wall Street Journal

“Folktales' earnest, sensitive approach is its superpower.” - Collider

“Dog lovers shouldn’t miss this one. Honestly, no one should.” - RogerEbert.com

“A warm and big-hearted crowdpleaser set against a cold and seemingly inhospitable backdrop.” - The Hollywood Reporter

“Documentaries have historically captured some of the harsher aspects of society that demand to be revealed to a wider audience. But Folktales is refreshingly optimistic.” - Time

“There is poetry as well as deep affection in their close-ups of people and dogs.” - The New York Times

“We are treated to all the joys and pains of 10 transformative months, with Ewing and Grady taking us inside an experience that’s both specific and oddly universal.” - IndieWire

“A heartwarming message about the capacity of people to discover their true selves. - Screen International

“An instant all-time favorite doc. Another doggie doc masterpiece. Another film that I think can and will change lives.” - Firstshowing.net

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