Netflix to adapt Stolen
September 1, 2022
The acclaimed novel Stolen by author Ann-Helén Laestadius is being adapted into a film for Netflix. Directed by Elle Márjá Eira and written for the screen by Peter Birro, the film adaptation is planned to have its global premiere in 2024.
In Stolen, Laestadius portrays a young woman’s struggle to defend her indigenous heritage in a world where xenophobia is on the rise, climate change is threatening reindeer herding, and young people choose suicide in the face of collective desperation. But the novel also lays bare the tensions that arise when modern ideas come up against a traditional culture with deeply rooted patriarchal structures.
Elle Márjá Eira (The Sámi Have Rights, Ealát) will be directing Stolen as her feature film debut. Peter Birro (Monica Z, 438 Days) will be the screenwriter. Laestadius will be executive producer. Filming is currently planned to begin in Sápmi in the spring of 2023.
“I am over the moon. For me as an author it is of course a dream to see my book adapted into a film and reach a whole new audience across the world. And I’m incredibly happy that Netflix – with their reach – chooses to highlight a Sami story in a big way,” said Laestadius.
“It is about time that the world gets to know this story, and what is going on in Sápmi today. I am a reindeer owner myself, and I recognize myself in this story. I also know that my fellow indigenous sisters, brothers and ancestors are with me. I am proud and grateful that Netflix and Ann-Helén Laestadius have given me this opportunity, and cannot wait to bring it to a new audience,” added Eira.