Brace Your Heart

"Brace your heart" is a traditional Sámi maxim said to young reindeer herders by the elder ones to prepare them for the harsh natural environment of the tundra. When her father dies unexpectedly, 20-year-old Ejva is suddenly completely on her own. She inherits his large herd, and feels duty-bound to take on the responsibility. That means she now has to prove herself in a male-dominated world with deeply entrenched hierarchies. Ejva's perpetually reddened cheeks testify to the frosty-cold working conditions, as well as the energy of a young woman who wants to sustain the traditions of her people but, at the same time, rebels against the archaic and sexist structures. Her proud face becomes a mirror of her inner conflicts. The film was shot with non-professional actors who bring the reality of their lives as active reindeer herders to the film.