Writer / director Egil Pedersen’s debut feature “My Father’s Daughter” presents a touching yet understated coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Sámi community in Norway. The film explores the delicate dynamics between a teenage girl and her estranged father who reappears in her life after a lengthy prison stint. While the film might not break new ground, it offers a heartfelt look at identity, family, and the search for one’s place in the world.
Teenager Elvira (Sarah Olaussen Eira) lives in the small Sámi village of Unjárga with her single mother Beate (Ingá Elisá Påve Idivuoma). Elvira’s childhood fantasy of having a famous Danish father (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) takes a hit when she learns that her real father is the decidedly average Terje (Aslat Mahtte Gaup), who has just been released from prison. This revelation shatters Elvira’s dreams and sends her into a spiral of self-discovery and emotional turmoil.
Pedersen’s film is a study in contrasts: the stark, often harsh reality of small-town life juxtaposed with the fantastical notions Elvira clings to. The narrative explores Elvira’s struggles with her cultural identity and the disillusionment of finding out that her father, whom she had idealized, is far from the heroic figure she imagined. Terje’s attempts to be more of a friend than a father lead him to offer misguided advice like “don’t get caught” and “never snitch,” further complicating their strained relationship.
The film is an intimate portrait of Elvira’s journey toward understanding her own identity and coming to terms with her father’s presence in her life. While the story may be small in scale and somewhat familiar in its themes, it is presented with a genuine charm. The cultural setting adds a layer of authenticity and depth, though the film’s themes of familial and personal discovery are universally relatable rather than specifically tied to Sámi culture.
Despite its modest scope, “My Father’s Daughter” is a film that resonates through its exploration of family, identity, and the meaning of home. It’s a gentle reminder that even within the confines of a small, seemingly mundane world, there are profound journeys of self-discovery waiting to unfold on life’s adventure of growing up.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 