Exhausted by loneliness, social anxiety, and all the crushing pressures felt by Gen Z, three teenagers make the daring decision to leave the comforts of home to enroll in a traditional “folk high school” in the wilds of northern Norway. Dropped in the Arctic wilderness for one year, Hege, Romain, and Bjørn Tore must rely on themselves and a pack of loyal sled dogs as they take the daunting step from childhood to adulthood.
In Folktales, directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady bring audiences to the stark, snowbound landscapes of northern Norway, more than 200 miles above the Arctic Circle. Here, at the Pasvik Folk High School, a group of teenagers embark on an unorthodox gap year designed to disconnect them from the pressures of modern life and reconnect them with nature, themselves, and one another. Combining elements of outdoor survival, traditional dog sledding, and emotional self-discovery, Folktales is a thoughtful and visually stunning documentary that explores the human need for belonging, resilience, and growth.
The Pasvik Folk High School is no ordinary institution. Situated in the frigid expanse of Norway’s far north, the school offers a programme that focuses less on academic achievement and more on personal development. Here, the students learn to mush sled dogs, camp in sub-zero temperatures, and navigate the Arctic wilderness. The environment is at once punishing and liberating, pushing these teenagers—many of whom arrive burdened by trauma, anxiety, or low self-esteem—well beyond their comfort zones.
While it is a year spent learning practical survival skills, the real education is emotional. Removed from the relentless pull of social media and the din of urban life, these young people are offered a rare space to reflect, process, and grow. The documentary wisely chooses to follow just three students closely, which brings clarity and emotional focus to the story.
The film’s heart lies in the personal arcs of Hege, Bjørn, and Romain. Each comes from a different background but shares a sense of feeling disconnected or misunderstood in their everyday lives. Hege, 19, carries a deep grief after the murder of her father. She arrives at Pasvik emotionally closed and riddled with anxiety, uncertain how to move forward. Bjørn is energetic and extroverted, often told he is “too much.” Despite this outward confidence, he yearns for acceptance and connection. Romain, more introverted and withdrawn, wrestles with persistent social anxiety and negative thought patterns.
The strength of Folktales is in how gently it allows these stories to unfold. As Bjørn and Romain form an unlikely but supportive friendship, the film illustrates how companionship and shared challenges can offer a powerful antidote to isolation. Hege’s journey, meanwhile, is more introspective, but equally resonant. Her slow path to healing is given the time and space it needs.
The sled dogs of Pasvik are more than just animals—they are central characters in the film. These hardy and intelligent creatures play a crucial role in the students’ development. Their loyalty, non-judgemental presence, and daily demands provide structure and emotional support to their human companions. The film captures the profound and often wordless connection that forms between student and dog with subtlety and grace.
One teacher remarks that the dogs help students become “more human and patient.” It’s an idea that resonates throughout the documentary. The physical tasks—feeding, grooming, mushing—force the teenagers into a routine of care and responsibility. But the emotional exchange is mutual; the dogs seem to recognise the tentative confidence building within these young people.
Visually, Folktales is exceptional. Cinematographers Tor Edvin Eliassen and Lars Erlend Tubaas Øymo deliver an immersive experience that captures the grandeur and isolation of the Nordic wilderness. From drone shots sweeping over snow-laden forests to intimate dog’s-eye views of sledding trails, the imagery is breathtaking. The northern lights, icy rivers, and frost-bitten trees serve not only as scenery but as metaphors for internal change.
Interwoven through the film is a poetic narration referencing Norse mythology—specifically the three Norns, the mythic weavers of fate. While this adds a cultural and thematic depth to the film, for some viewers the mythological layer may feel slightly unnecessary or overstated. Still, the symbolism of fate, transformation, and interconnected lives does resonate with the central themes.
Ewing and Grady avoid over-manipulating the narrative. They let events unfold naturally, maintaining a peaceful, observational tone that mirrors the serenity of the setting. This decision lends the film authenticity, although it also results in some pacing issues. Certain segments, particularly in the middle, feel repetitive or slow. The film occasionally drifts into familiar rhythms—campfire talks, sled runs, reflections—which, while real and respectful, can test the patience of audiences accustomed to faster documentary pacing.
Despite this, the emotional beats land effectively. Humorous moments—teenage awkwardness, jokes, and failed attempts at sledding—are warmly included, reminding us that growth often comes wrapped in clumsy, human packaging. The filmmakers strike a sensitive balance between documenting personal challenges and celebrating small victories.
Folktales doesn't promise dramatic life changes, nor does it present this unique experience as a panacea. The film acknowledges that these teenagers may return to urban life and never mush a dog again. But what they carry back—the lessons in resilience, empathy, and self-awareness—could shape their futures in quieter, longer-lasting ways.
The documentary gently critiques modern teenage life, hinting at how technology and overstimulation can exacerbate existing mental health struggles. Yet it stops short of being didactic. Rather than prescribing a cure, it offers a portrait of what can happen when we remove noise and make space for deeper connection.
Folktales is a moving and meditative documentary that captures the quiet revolution happening within a small group of teens learning to navigate life, dogs, and the harsh northern wilds. While the pacing is slow and its mythological framing may not resonate with all viewers, the film’s sincerity, emotional honesty, and visual beauty make it an enriching watch.
Through a poetic lens, Ewing and Grady remind us that even in an age of relentless digital noise, there remains immense value in returning to basics—honest friendships, hard physical work, and the calm companionship of animals. In doing so, Folktales becomes not just a story of teenage transformation, but a wider reflection on the human need for belonging, healing, and hope.
Directed by Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady | 106 mins | Norway, United States | English, Norwegian | New Zealand Premiere – The Edge of Impact Category
Screening at the Doc Edge documentary festival, in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and online from 25 June.