Markku Lehmuskallio has devoted a large part of his documentary work to the indigenous people of the Arctic Circle. In this latest film, co-directed with his son Johannes Lehmuskallio, he composes a fascinating poetic ethnography inspired by the singing, dancing, forms of contemporary existence and, above all, the vital breath of these nomad communities mistreated by History.

Anerca, Breath of Life

The year is 1989 and Stefan works as a bus driver between Norrland and Murmansk. With him on the journeys is the Russian interpreter Jana which he has fallen in love with. He is prepared to do everything to win her love, but her mother sets an ultimatum - get a safe front door. Stefan has competition from a Russian and soon the contest is on, "who can give the mother the best door".