Maj Doris

In this beautifully composed documentary, we first see an eccentric old woman taking care of a herd of reindeer in the northern part of Sweden. Gradually, it becomes clear that this wise and highly charismatic person is Sami actress and artist Maj Doris, a folk legend who has traveled all over the world to promote the cultural legacy of her people. We follow her daily existence in the arduous environment of her small cottage, beginning in December 2016 and ending as the reindeer depart with the arrival of early summer, when the fascinating septuagenarian is able to go on a trip to South America. It’s a contemplative and multifaceted film that explores topics such as the preservation of indigenous cultures, strong artistic women, the sense of displacement experienced by Afghani expatriates in Sweden, and the complexities of being a role model. (Full Frame Documentary Film Festival)