Teens connect with nature in ‘Folktales,’ a dogumentary about a different kind of school

by

For centuries, people have turned to gods for understanding an unsettling world. However, a new documentary titled “Folktales,” produced by the filmmakers behind “Jesus Camp” – Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, offers an intriguing perspective as it follows three Scandinavian teens in a secluded Norwegian school nestled amidst snowy wilderness. Instead of finding answers from gods, this story might reveal life’s secrets when you look at the word “god” spelled backward.

Essentially, we’re talking about going for a sled ride with Alaskan and Siberian huskies. These dogs are more than just companions for dog-sledding lessons at Norway’s Pasvik Folk High School; they play a crucial role in making this film special. Unlike most heartwarming movies, this one stands out because of these remarkable animals. They help children break free from their usual thoughts and develop a stronger sense of self by participating in dog-sledding activities.

Ewing and Grady have seen situations like this before, having documented struggling Baltimore youth seeking stability (in “The Boys of Baraka”) and unhappy Hasidic Jews trying to break free from their past (“One of Us”). Although the circumstances in “Folktales” may not be as dire sociologically, it remains just as captivating as a subject and deserving of empathetic consideration. This is particularly true when the setting for change could be as inspiring as the homeland of the Vikings.

Movies

For Subscribers

The 27 best movie theaters in Los Angeles

We’ve identified 27 top-notch cinemas in Los Angeles, ranging from the TCL Chinese and New Beverly, through the Alamo Drafthouse, to the AMC theater that dominates Burbank.

In a location like Pasvik, situated 200 miles beyond the Arctic Circle, self-reliance becomes a necessity rather than an option, and learning practical skills such as knitting can be more valuable than mastering complex math equations. As educational institutions for young adults, folk schools have been around since the 19th century, with Pasvik focusing on survival training to help students who are often engrossed in their phone screens tap into their hidden potential. Teacher Iselin, who teaches dog-sledding, encourages her students by saying she aims to “ignite your ancient, Stone Age minds.

19-year-old Hege, a nervous and vivacious girl who has recently lost her father and grapples with self-image concerns, finds disconnecting initially challenging. However, she begins to appreciate the advantages, particularly when she is entrusted with the care of Odin, a charming and affectionate dog with an eloquent bark. Bjorn, who is socially awkward and plagued by melancholic thoughts and doubts about his nerdiness, finds solace in the presence of such a magnificent creature that thrives on undivided attention. In this way, these students, when tasked with spending two nights in the forest with only their assigned huskies and camping skills for company, find their struggles giving way to a pivotal moment, as another compassionate teacher describes it, the unique inner tranquility that emerges from “a fire, a dog, and a starry sky.

It’s also apparent that Ewing and Grady might have been searching for inspiration themselves. Consequently, they created artistic montages depicting the frozen wilderness, incorporating some mystical yarn-and-tree symbolism. The atmosphere leans more towards a warm spotlight rather than an objective investigation.

The folktale unfolds with a light, airy quality, brimming with rosy-cheeked camaraderie, slow-motion thrills, and the curative influence of guiding a dog sled across breathtaking landscapes. It’s invigorating, and while the filmmakers might not aim to delve deep but rather to entertain, that’s acceptable, even if we don’t know these characters any better by the end than we did at the start. It’s challenging to predict whether troubled teen Romain will find solace from his struggles. However, we witness his joy in forging friendships and spotting wild moose. The film’s core message is straightforward: healing through nature.

Read More

2025-08-01 21:31