On Tuesday night, the Friends of Scandinavian Studies film series continued with “Ofelas,” or “Pathfinder,” a Norwegian film.
On the second Tuesday of every month, the community group meets to watch and discuss a Scandinavian film. The event is free and open to
the public.
“Pathfinder” is based on a Sami legend and chronicles a young boy’s fight against evil on the frozen plains of northern Norway. The 88-minute film is in Sami with English subtitles.
“It’s an exciting, even scary film,” Michael Raymer, a University physics professor and Friends board member, said.
Raymer said that Scandinavian films are especially interesting because they portray a distinct way of life.
“It shows a different perspective than what we often see in the U.S.,” he said.
University Scandinavian studies professor Virpi Zuck agreed it is important for people to learn about different lifestyles. She said the director, Nils Gaup, is Sami, a Norwegian minority that lives in the north of the country. The film shows Sami customs, beliefs and beautiful scenery, Zuck said.
“It may be the first Sami film,” Zuck said. “For that, it’s interesting.”
At every Friends film showing, a professor introduces the movie and gives cultural context for what the audience is about to see. Often, an informal discussion follows the film.
The film showings usually attract 10-25 people, Zuck said.
Bagdade said that the group is important because it supports the study of Scandinavian language and culture.
“There’s a great deal of passion for the Scandinavian program,” she said.
Friends is composed mostly of community members and has little student involvement, Raymer said, adding that he hopes future events, like the “Pathfinder” showing, would attract University students and unite them with people from the community.
“It brings the community on campus and makes them feel involved,” Raymer said.
In addition to showing Scandinavian films, the group buys books and movies for the Scandinavian department, hosts guest lectures, offers scholarships and raises money to support the academic program.

Catherine Ryan is a freelance reporter for the Daily Emerald