Orsugiak: Greenland’s White Gold

The documentary Orsugiak, or Greenland’s White Gold, premiered in Nuuk, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) on February 8th and was released on Denmark’s national broadcaster DR’s streaming platform the following day. The film explores Denmark’s mining of cryolite in Ivittuut on Kalaallit Nunaat’s west coast, which took place from 1854 to 1987. Cryolite is a rare mineral that was used, among other things, in aluminum production. It was found in large quantities in the mentioned area until the mine was eventually depleted.

As reported by various news outlets, the documentary was removed from DR’s streaming platform shortly after its release, and editor Thomas Falbe resigned in connection with the situation. The documentary and DR’s stance have sparked significant debate in both Denmark and Greenland.

The film will be shown for the first time in Iceland at the Nordic House on March 22nd at 16:00. This premiere is an important contribution to addressing the ongoing shifts and occurrences taking place in Greenland at the moment. According to opinion polls related to the recent elections, the majority of the Greenlandic population supports full independence from the Danish Kingdom. Scholar Sumarliði R. Ísleifsson has stated that Greenland serves as a mirror to Iceland. What this reflection tells us today is worth pausing to consider, analyze, and discuss, and there will be an opportunity for conversation following the film’s screening.

The documentary is produced by Wintertales production company in collaboration with Human Tales, with support from Den Vestdanske Filmpulje. The people behind the film are producer Michael Bévort, researcher Naja Dyrendom Graugaard, and directors Claus Pilhave and Otto Rosing. The film is in Danish with English subtitles.

Accessibility in Elissa auditorium is good, there is a low threshold into the hall. On the same floor is a toilet with good access and changing facilities. There is a ramp leading to the Nordic House from the parking lot, and an automatic button at the main door. Further questions about accessibility can be sent to: kolbrun(at)nordichouse.is