26/06/2025 - The Nordic-Bulgarian feature centres on a 20-year-old woman who inherits her father’s reindeer herd and strives to uphold the family tradition

Last week, principal photography concluded on Brace Your Heart, the third feature by Swedish helmer Amanda Kernell (Charter [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Amanda Kernell
film profile], Sámi Blood [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Amanda Kernell
interview: Lars Lindstrom
film profile]). The pic was shot over several weeks in the remote Kiruna region of Northern Sweden and marks a return to themes close to the filmmaker’s personal and cultural heritage.

Set in a secluded Sámi village high in the mountains, the drama centres on 20-year-old Ejva, who inherits her father’s reindeer herd and strives to uphold the family tradition. As she navigates complex expectations within her tight-knit community, an unexpected romantic triangle upends her life, forcing her to confront deep questions of love, trauma and healing.

The lead roles are played by newcomers Elli-Sara Valkeapää, Andte Jusso Gaup and Vincent Niia – all non-professional actors and reindeer herders, cast following an extensive four-year search.

Behind the camera, Kernell is supported by a seasoned team including cinematographer Sophia Olsson (Charter, Sámi Blood), production designer Sabine Hviid (Another Round [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]), editor Linda Man (Borgen) and composer Rebekka Karijord (Songs of Earth [+see also:
film review
film profile]).

The project is being produced by Eva Åkergren for Nordisk Film Production Sweden, with an extensive Nordic and European co-production structure involving Forest People (Norway), Compass Films (Iceland), Invictus (Bulgaria) and Nordisk Film Production Denmark. Further backing comes from Filmpool Nord, SVT, Film i Väst, the Swedish Film Institute, the Danish Film Institute, the International Sámi Film Institute, the Nordisk Film & TV Fond, Eurimages, the Icelandic Film Centre, the Bulgarian National Film Center and Arktisk Film Norge.

Danish firm TrustNordisk is handling international sales, while Nordisk Film Distribution will oversee the film’s domestic release, slated for next year.