Norwegian filmmaker Nils Gaup, known for his Oscar-nominated film “Pathfinder,” is now embarking on a new cinematic journey. His upcoming documentary, “Koven,” will delve into the world of shamanism and its profound impact on a Sámi man.
Titled after its protagonist, “Koven” follows the story of a highly educated and skeptical Sámi man who experiences something he cannot explain. In his quest for understanding, he begins studying shamanism, only to realize that unless one personally experiences it, it is difficult to comprehend. Gaup humorously compares it to falling in love, where if you’ve never experienced it, you won’t understand why people act so strangely.
As a Sámi filmmaker himself, Gaup is no stranger to venturing into the unknown. His acclaimed debut film, “Pathfinder,” explored themes of listening to nature and the wisdom it holds. Gaup believes that by communicating with nature, we can preserve it and forge a deeper connection with the universe.
In “Koven,” Gaup takes audiences on a captivating journey across continents, exploring shamanism in America, Siberia, Africa, Japan, and Australia. The documentary aims to shed light on this ancient practice, which Gaup considers an essential story to tell. He has already begun filming extensively for this project.
While “The Riot,” Gaup’s previous historical epic, focused on the dramatic uprising of miners in 1907, he now desires to tell a more intimate story with “Koven.” Making films like “The Riot” in Norway can be an arduous task, with financial challenges to overcome. Gaup is now keen on creating something smaller in scale. However, he believed it was crucial to tell the story of “The Riot,” as it marked the beginning of the Nordic model and intrigued many worldwide.
Gaup emphasizes that it is essential to talk about those who are often ignored. In a world driven by competition and the pursuit of wealth, he believes the rich will exploit the planet until its demise. Gaup prefers exploring hidden and untold stories of ordinary people, aiming to give them a much-needed voice.
“Koven” is produced by Storyline and sold by REinvent Studios. Despite its period setting, Gaup emphasizes its relevance in today’s world. Just like the protagonist Konrad in the film, young people today face crucial choices regarding the environment and whether to support those harming it or those trying to preserve it. To understand the present and plan for the future, one must learn from the past.
Gaup acknowledges the changing landscape of cinema consumption, with fewer people watching films in theaters. To counter this trend, he believes in making films on a grander scale, urging viewers to experience them on the big screen rather than on their iPads. He draws inspiration from American storytelling, combining it with his unique approach to create engaging and thought-provoking cinema.
At the heart of it all, Gaup sees himself as a classic storyteller, aiming to create films that hold meaning for the audience. Some projects may resonate more than others, but Gaup hopes to be remembered for his dedication to storytelling.
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