An Ode to Greenland: Søren Høy’s Cinematic Journey
Søren Høy has harbored a deep fascination with Greenland since his childhood—a fervent desire to explore and illuminate a culture often rendered invisible. His latest documentary, We Are Greenland: Football is Freedom, serves as a heartfelt entry into a movement where football transcends mere play, becoming a powerful symbol of identity and autonomy.
The film captures the essence of icy training sessions and fervent matches, painting a tender portrait of young athletes striving to represent their nation under its own flag. This fight for sporting sovereignty resonates deeply with a broader longing for freedom among Greenland’s populace. For Høy, this project is a personal odyssey, showcasing the remarkable resilience of community spirit and the courage to pursue one’s dreams.
There’s a palpable excitement as Høy expresses his hope that the film will foster a more nuanced understanding of Greenland and its people—a view untainted by stereotypes or preconceived notions.
The documentary is set to premiere in theaters across Greenland this September. Next week, AG will present a comprehensive review, but first, we delve into the thoughts and inspiration behind this significant project, guided by its director, Søren Høy. His insights provide fresh perspectives on a narrative that deserves to be told.
Life Behind the Lens
From an early age, Søren Høy was captivated by the magic of film. The darkened cinema, the flickering images, and the narratives that unfolded ignited a passion that became a lifelong companion.
Today, this passion fuels his multifaceted career as a director, producer, and former principal at the European Film Academy. Høy’s artistic endeavors, through his company Art Freak, reflect a commitment to creating films that push boundaries and challenge norms. His enthusiasm for the eccentric and daring is vividly apparent in We Are Greenland: Football is Freedom.
A Longstanding Dream
Since his youth, Høy has been enamored by the stories and culture of Greenland, consuming every book and film he could find that featured the country.
He chuckles, “I often wished my family had roots in Greenland—there are quite a few Høys there—and I hoped to uncover some link.” Though the genealogical trail may be cold, his connection to the land runs warm.
The yearning to transform this fascination into a tangible production simmered quietly until 2019, when Danish coach Morten Rutkjær was appointed as the national coach of Greenland’s football team, sparking an epiphany in Høy.
“I wanted to share the story of ambitious young individuals confronting systemic barriers,” Høy recalls passionately. “They aspire to compete under their own flag but face a wall of injustice that keeps them from doing so.”
His first trip to Greenland was a revelation. Over three years, Høy made four visits, each deepening his understanding and connection to the land. “The memories of that initial visit struck me profoundly. The warmth and openness I encountered there were unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
A Journey of Cultural Discovery
As the film unfolded, Høy found himself increasingly attuned to the richness of Greenlandic culture. “I confirmed what I’d felt for years—that Greenlandic culture is extraordinary, steeped in strong familial traditions and a profound respect for nature.”
This revelation became a cornerstone for the film’s thematic exploration, delving into the true meaning of national identity through the eyes of everyday people yearning for independence.
“My hope,” Høy reflects, “is that viewers will come away with a more rounded, less biased, and more humane perspective on Greenland and its inhabitants.”
The documentary does more than document the quest for football freedom; it dismantles common misconceptions about a culture many think they know, yet few truly understand. “I want audiences to carry with them a sense of closeness to the film’s imagery and feel the strength emanating from it,” he states with pride.
A Community-Centric Film
The narrative casts football not just as a sport, but as a unifying force within the community—a mantra for togetherness. The struggle of players for sporting self-determination parallels Greenland’s broader pursuit for freedom, and this theme resonates throughout the documentary.
Høy candidly shares, “This has been the most challenging, yet significant project I’ve ever undertaken. The weight of responsibility loomed large.”
The emotional resonance of the story weighs heavily on him; it’s about more than sports and filmmaking—it’s about illuminating voices that have long been sidelined. “While the film may not change the world, I believe it has the power to move those who see it,” he says, his gravity betraying the profound nature of the tale he is telling.
We Are Greenland: Football is Freedom has already premiered in Denmark and will debut in Nuuk on September 19, followed by screenings in Sisimiut and Ilulissat. In the upcoming issue of AG, we will take a comprehensive look at this powerful narrative, discussing why this film is not just worthy of viewing—but an experience best enjoyed on the big screen.