FOLKTALES – Review by Liz Braun
Folktales is a beautiful little gem about young people, dog sledding and building character in the farthest northern reaches of Norway.
The documentary — all fresh-faced, sincere kids finding their purpose in a magnificent wilderness setting — is a coming-of-age story that feels a million miles away from the current social chaos in America. Given that the film is from Jesus Camp directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, it’s impossible not to wonder about Folktales‘ possible political intent.
There are hundreds of what are called folk schools in Scandinavia. They began in the 19th century to offer education to rural residents of remote northern communities and continue to operate today as a likely spot to spend a gap year. One learns such skills as Arctic survival and dog sledding with a goal of self- reliance. Folktales zeroes in on Pasvik Folk High School, 200 miles above the Arctic Circle.
The school welcomes students from all over the world. The film focuses on three: Norwegians Hege and Bjorn and Dutch student Romain.
These three, and no doubt most of their classmates, have all the usual afflictions of late adolescence — they are aimless, feckless, gormless — and each is having trouble navigating the difficult passage into adult life.
Folktales unfolds slowly and in a deeply satisfying fashion, showing how each of the three in the spotlight comes to terms with the various issues in his or her life. Hege is grieving her late father and is a bit lost overall; Bjorn fears he’s an annoying nerd; Romain is beset by anxiety and self-doubt.
With the help of school instructors Thor-Atle and Iselin, the young adults at the Pasvik school slowly acquire wilderness skills and self-confidence.
To be specific, they learn how to set up a bear-proof camp, make a fire, get fresh water, hunt and fish, clean and prepare the food they’ve caught, survive alone in harsh conditions and protect themselves and their dog team. They also learn to knit, tool leather, undertake traditional folk dances and appreciate Norse myths and legends.
Key to character development — and storytelling — are the sled dogs, Siberian huskies that vocalize a lot and work like demons. The trust required between humans and dogs and the transformative relationships that result for the young adults is the absolute heart of Folktales. Over the nine month school term each of the students works with the dogs, feeding and caring for them and learning to work with them as part of a sled transport and (emotional) survival team. The resulting bond between kids and canines is remarkable to witness.
All of these scenes of learning and personal growth are set against an extraordinary landscape — a part of the world where there’s no sun for several months each year, but the sky is jammed with a million stars and the gobsmacking color dance of the Northern Lights. Mesmerizing visuals are courtesy of DP Lars Erlend Tubaas Øymo and cinematographer Tor Edvin Eliassen.
Folktales is scattered with references to Odin and his encounters with the three Fates, weaving mythology into the storytelling. The Fates claim Hope is a special gift the young enjoy — youth believes things can get better — and a vision of the future helps, “especially in dark times.” Duly noted.
