Ann-Helén Laestadius’ Acclaimed Novel Stolen to Come to Netflix

The critically 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 (Romanus & Selling), award-winning writer Ann-Helén 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. Ann-Helén Laestadius will be the 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,” says Ann-Helén 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,” says Elle Márjá Eira, director of the upcoming Netflix film.

Stolen was originally published in Sweden in 2021 and has since then been sold to 20+ countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the USA, and Canada. The book was awarded the Book of the Year Award in Sweden in September 2021.

Stolen is planned to be released globally on Netflix in 2024.