Arctic Indigenous Cinema, University of Lapland

The Arctic Indigenous Cinema programme contributes to arctic Indigenous storytelling in the field of audiovisual media by providing high-level education and supporting the development of Indigenous-led creative culture. The program focuses on moving image as the medium of storytelling, by encouraging the students to cultivate their own cinematic thinking and artistic voice, and by nurturing the understanding of film as the form of indigenous storytelling. Indigenous identity and perspectives form the foundation for both artistic practice and academic research within the programme. In the studies, the students will engage critically with dramaturgy, narrative form, and production processes, gaining both artistic and research-based competence to contribute to the evolving field of Artistic Indigenous Cinema. This programme centers on Northern stories. It encourages the students to experiment with new forms of media, thereby enabling them to shape their own approaches and understanding on indigenous storytelling.  In this two-year master`s degree programme, students engage in studies that intersect theory, practice and a strong working-life orientation. The student's commitment to the process of creating and gradually developing their storytelling skills is central to the programme, supported by a diverse range of academic content from multiple perspectives. The studies combine practical screenwriting, production-based project work, variations in film studies, and academic research. The Arctic Indigenous Cinema programme is also planned to build close relationships with the professional field, including production companies and distribution channels, so that students can receive valuable, up-to-date feedback, practices, and networks from the industry and experienced professionals. Through this master’s program, the University of Lapland initiates the construction of a solid theoretical foundation, enabling students to expand their academic and creative thinking on Indigenous storytelling. The master's thesis can be based on various research interests, leaning either towards artistic research tradition, or towards more traditional academic research approaches. The language of teaching is English. The teaching is delivered partly through distance and hybrid learning, with scheduled intensive on-site sessions in Rovaniemi, Finland. During the first autumn semester, studies are conducted online, while the first spring semester is spent on-site in Rovaniemi. The autumn semester of the second year consists of an intensive study period in Rovaniemi, and the rest of the second-year studies are completed online. Compulsory studies are usually scheduled from Wednesday to Friday, while elective studies may also take place on other weekdays. In addition to compulsory studies, students have the opportunity to deepen their expertise through elective studies, which are in most cases delivered at the University of Lapland as contact teaching.