Let the River Flow_
Original: Ellos eatnu - La elva leve
During summer 1979, Ester moves to Alta in Northern Norway to begin teaching at an elementary school. Like many Sámi at the time, she is ashamed of her heritage and conceals her ethnicity. Ester goes to great lengths to fit in, even joining in with the derogatory jokes. When her cousin Mikkhal takes her to a camp by the Alta River, where people are demonstrating against the building of a dam, Ester learns how the fight for the river is also a revolt against the years of brutal racism and discrimination against her people. After a major confrontation with the police, Mikkhal and some other Sámi decide to go to Oslo to hunger strike in front of the Parliament. Knowing what is at stake, Ester realises it is time to make a stand…
Starring
Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, Gard Emil Elvenes, Sofia Jannok
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Year context
Let the River Flow was released 3 years ago in 2023.
Overview
During summer 1979, Ester moves to Alta in Northern Norway to begin teaching at an elementary school. Like many Sámi at the time, she is ashamed of her herit...
Let the River Flow is a Drama film with a runtime of 1h 58m.
CAST (20)
Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen
Ester
Gard Emil Elvenes
Mihkkal
Sofia Jannok
Risten
Beaska Niillas
Piera
Marie Kvernmo
Marit
Finn Arve Sørbøe
Stein
William Sigvaldsen
Thomas
Mary Sarre
Áhkku
Ivar Beddari
Gøran
Maria Bock
Principal
Ingá Elisá Påve Idivuoma
Sami Colleague
Hanne Mathisen Haga
Siv Anita
MK
Marianne Kristoffersen
Norwegian colleague
Kristine Cornelie M. Hartgen
Norwegian colleague
GL
Gina Lindås Theodorsen
Norwegian colleague
RA
Robert Amadeus Gaup Mienna
Ailu
Mikkel Gaup
Ailu's Father
Trond Peter Stamsø Munch
Harald
Mathilde Storm
Susanne
Karoline Stemre
Protester
BOX OFFICE
$4.5M
Budget
STUDIOS (5)
Mer Film
Bufo
Zentropa International Sweden
Knudsen Pictures
Helmet AS
DETAILS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Let the River Flow about?
During summer 1979, Ester moves to Alta in Northern Norway to begin teaching at an elementary school. Like many Sámi at the time, she is ashamed of her heritage and conceals her ethnicity. Ester goes to great lengths to fit in, even joining in with the derogatory jokes. When her cousin Mikkhal takes her to a camp by the Alta River, where people are demonstrating against the building of a dam, Ester learns how the fight for the river is also a revolt against the years of brutal racism and discrimination against her people. After a major confrontation with the police, Mikkhal and some other Sámi decide to go to Oslo to hunger strike in front of the Parliament. Knowing what is at stake, Ester realises it is time to make a stand…
How long is Let the River Flow?
Let the River Flow has a runtime of 118 minutes (1h 58m).
Who stars in Let the River Flow?
The cast of Let the River Flow includes Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, Gard Emil Elvenes, Sofia Jannok, Beaska Niillas, Marie Kvernmo.
What is the rating of Let the River Flow?
Let the River Flow has a rating of 7.1 out of 10 based on 18 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (1)
Drama
