‘Folktales’ is a unique and interesting film
Category: Movies
The film Folktales takes viewers into the journey of several teenagers as they experience a life-changing year and move into adulthood. This documentary takes place at Pasvik Folk High School in northern Norway where the students learn more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic. They learn about themselves, life, and how to grow as a person.
The “Norns” in Norse mythology are the deities weaving fate and shaping humans’ futures. These students get an unconventional lesson in learning about themselves and what life might have in store for them. They learn how to cope, how to believe in themselves, and they gain self-confidence, which is what most of them lack when they arrive.
They all experience life-changing lessons that will have an effect on them forever. These teens learn about how to take care of animals, how to hunt, how to survive in the wilderness, and much more.
Sled dogs are part of the school. The students must take care of their dogs, show them love and compassion, and learn how to hook them up and drive their sled through the Arctic wilderness. It’s not as easy as it looks. These Alaskan Huskies also become their companions as the teens bond with them and, spoiler alert, are heartbroken when one of them dies. It’s a touching scene.
The scope of the year brings the teenagers closer to the land, animals, and each other. They are completely different when it comes to personalities. Some are very shy, some are confused about life, and others grab onto life with gusto. But combining these very different personalities in a remote location with situations in which they would probably never find themselves if they hadn’t come to the school, is a lesson in life itself.
By the time they graduate they are more confident in themselves and what they can accomplish. It is inspiring and the film tells their stories in a way that captures the attention of viewers. The cinematography blends with the students’ activities and their growth as they take this incredible journey to adulthood. They came to the school as teens without any real direction in their lives, and they left with compassion, self-assurance, and a new perspective on life and the world.
Folktales opens in theaters August 1, 2025. It was filmed in Norway and includes both English and Norwegian dialogue.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
Images courtesy Magnolia Pictures