THE FORBIDDEN SONGS: VARNA MARIANNE NIELSEN
1/5/2025
FILM SCREENING: 19:00 // ENTRY: Free
LOCATION: In the Oasis right next to turkis
THE FORBIDDEN SONGS BY VARNA MARIANNE NIELSEN – FILM SCREENING & Q&A
Join us for an exclusive screening of The Forbidden Songs, Episode 1, a short film that explores the rich tradition of drum dancing and drum singing in Greenland from a unique and personal perspective.
The film will appeal to those interested in the intersection of tradition and modernity, as well as anyone passionate about ethnographic studies and artistic expression.
After the film screening, there will be an opportunity to ask questions to Varna Marianne Nielsen, and Marie Kahlig from Det Grønlandske Hus in Aarhus will participate in the conversation.
The Forbidden Songs serves as a performative documentary, capturing the essence of Greenlandic social, spiritual, and artistic traditions centered around drum dancing and singing. Through the eyes of a performer, the film highlights the historical evolution of this cultural practice, tracing its journey from pre-colonial times through the colonial era and into contemporary society.
The film’s primary focus is on the revival of this once-forbidden tradition and its crucial significance for the Inuit community today. By combining the filmmaker’s ethnographic research with qualitative studies, the narrative weaves personal stories from cultural knowledge keepers with archival material, creating a rich tapestry that showcases the resilience of Greenlandic heritage.
Presented in Greenlandic with English subtitles, the film ensures accessibility to a broader audience. This screening holds deep cultural significance, not only shedding light on an endangered tradition but also emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural identity. The stories shared through this medium resonate with universal themes of loss, healing, and resilience. The Forbidden Songs represents an opportunity to celebrate and promote Nordic and Indigenous cultures while fostering critical discussions on cultural identity and heritage.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Varna GL (Varna Marianne Nielsen) in concert at turkis on May 2nd, as part of Roots&Hybrid 2025 and SPOT at turkis.