Beneath the Silence: Oro Jaska Confronts Trauma, Identity, and Injustice in Sámi Communities

Powerful, timely, and unflinchingly honest, the critically acclaimed Sámi/Norwegian youth series Shut Up (Oro Jaska) is breaking new ground in Indigenous storytelling. Addressing complex issues such as sexual assault, queer identity, and the silence that often surrounds such topics in Indigenous communities, the series has resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Now, Shut Up (Oro Jaska) is poised for broader international recognition, with a nomination for Best Limited Series at the prestigious 2025 Rockie Awards, part of the Banff World Media Festival taking place June 9 in Banff, Alberta, Canada. 

Set in a small town in northern Norway, deep in the heart of Sápmi—the homeland of the Indigenous Sámi people—the series centers on Elli Anne, whose life is upended after she is raped. As she seeks justice within a tightly knit community bound by tradition and family loyalty, the narrative takes a gripping turn when Issat, a celebrated snow cross racer, is accused. The allegation not only threatens his reputation but forces him to confront his own closely guarded secret: he is queer.

Shut Up (Oro Jaska) marks a historic first—it is the first Sámi TV drama of its kind to center social issues from within the community, told by Sámi voices. With a commitment to the guiding principle “Nothing about us without us,” the series was developed by a writers’ room composed entirely of young Sámi creatives, including queer voices. The project was led by creators Silje Bürgin-Borch and Vegard Bjørsmo, who prioritized narrative autonomy and cultural authenticity at every stage.

As global interest in Indigenous cinema continues to rise, Shut Up (Oro Jaska) stands alongside a growing body of acclaimed Sámi films and television, including Sámi Blood, My Father’s Daughter, Mácchan (Homecoming), Je’vida, and the 2025 Berlinale Series selection A Sámi Wedding (Heajastallan). These projects have benefited from the advocacy and support of the International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI), which continues to champion Indigenous storytelling on the global stage. 

As Shut Up (Oro Jaska) garners international attention, it not only amplifies underrepresented voices but sets a new standard for Indigenous-led storytelling—bold, honest, and rooted in the lived realities of its people.