The Centre for Northern Peoples had a unique opportunity to combine a film screening with an unprecedented deep dive into Kven culture when filmmaker Jan Harald Tomassen presented «Great Grandmother's Journey» (11.03.25). In an open and engaging conversation, Tomassen shed light on the inspiration behind the film and the challenges he faced in realising this personal project.
This conversation took place in advance of the public screening of the film here with us. Both before and after the screening, the audience had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the film's universe. Tomassen generously shared his thoughts and insights in the introductory presentation, and guided us through the fascinating process behind the creation of the film. After the screening, the Centre for Northern Peoples opened up for a dialogue, where the audience could ask questions and exchange experiences.
The evening was a memorable journey through the traces of the past, and a reminder of how they still affect us today. Tomassen's film is an important contribution to our efforts to pass on Kven history. We hope that the interview and documentation from the event will provide an insight for those who did not have the opportunity to visit the centre.
For those who want to see the whole film, either again or for the first time, we can recommend that it is available on NRK.
The film is open to everyone: https://tv.nrk.no/program/KOID75005724
