What is AIFF
The Story behind AIFF
Who Belongs to Arctic Indigenous Peoples?
Are You Interested in Funding AIFF?
Contact & For Media
What is AIFF
Do you have a story to tell about your Indigenous community? Or maybe you are a philanthropist looking for a good cause? Either one, you are in the right place.
AIFF is a film fund dedicated to films and filmmakers with Arctic Indigenous origins. We believe it’s vital to spread knowledge about Indigenous cultures, climate change, the environment, and land rights by the means of art. That’s why we are committed to building capacity for Arctic filmmaking.
We advance filmmakers’ possibilities to produce and distribute their films by funding productions and offering training programs. Our aim is to promote high-quality film projects that enhance the cultures, languages and societies of arctic Indigenous peoples.
Part of our mission is also to support cooperation among Indigenous filmmakers. We bring together the most talented filmmakers, help them to achieve the best possible production terms and encourage co-production and exchange of expertise.
The Story behind AIFF
Over 40 ethnic groups live in the circumpolar north. Despite national borders and some differences in our cultures, we consider ourselves all to belong to the same community. If anything, we are united by our stories.
The increased interest in the Arctic also means a growing interest in Indigenous peoples and their stories – even by the biggest film companies. We think our Indigenous filmmakers should have a chance to share the stories of their own communities and get their voices heard.
That’s why, in 2018, we gathered Indigenous film professionals from all over the world to discuss how to raise funding, increase work, and secure the future for our filmmakers. There, at the 2nd International Indigenous Film Conference, Arctic Indigenous Film Fund (AIFF) was launched by Sundance Institute, Canada Media Fund, ISFI, Nunavut Film Corporation, Film Greenland and Sakha Film.
Who Belongs to Arctic Indigenous Peoples?
Arctic indigenous peoples include, for example:
- The Sámi in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Northwest Russia
- The Nenets, Khanty, Evenk, and Chukchi in Russia
- The Aleut, Yupik, and Inuit (Iñupiat) in Alaska
- The Inuit (Inuvialuit) in Canada
- The Inuit (Kalaallit) in Greenland.
The exact number of indigenous people is not accurate due to differing definitions of indigenousness, but you can view a map of Arctic Indigenous peoples based on linguistic groups here.
Are You Interested in Funding AIFF?
To achieve our goals, we are constantly looking for funders and collaborators. Our film commissioner Liisa Holmberg is more than happy to share more information about our activities and how AIFF can make a difference. Don’t hesitate to get in touch:
Liisa Holmberg
Film Commissioner
