BIRKA, 2023
Digital video, 16:9, Full HD, 3,30 min, 2023
The short film Birka is inspired by the female Viking warrior, who was buried with the equipment of an elite warrior in a 10th century chamber tomb in Birka, Sweden.
Through the poetic lens of Elena Oittinen and Karoliina Paappa, the film emerges as a stirring tribute to the silenced voices and overlooked contributions of women throughout history.
Birka serves as a symbol of defiance against the patriarchal norms that have long dominated historical narratives. By shedding light on the presence of a female warrior in a traditionally male-dominated domain, the film challenges the preconceived notions of gender roles and power dynamics. It poses crucial questions about the erasure of women's agency and the biases that have shaped our understanding of the past.
Birka implores us to confront the gaps in our collective memory. It prompts us to reevaluate our understanding of history and challenge the narratives that have silenced women's stories. The film urges us to recognize the untapped potential and resilience of women throughout time, unearthing their stories to rewrite the narrative of human achievement.
By honoring the forgotten women of history, the film invites us to imagine a future where all individuals, regardless of gender, are celebrated and their contributions acknowledged.
Supported by The Arts Promotion Centre Finland and Finnish Cultural Foundation (The Pirkanmaa Regional Fund).