The Thief (original title Anngeerdardardor) is one of the most remarkable short films to emerge from the Arctic in recent years. Directed by Christoffer Rizvanovic Stenbakken, the 2025 production is widely described as the first short film ever made in East Greenland, and specifically in the remote town of Tasiilaq. With a running time of about twenty minutes and filmed entirely in the Greenlandic language, the film stands out as a powerful, intimate portrait of adolescence, difference, and belonging within one of the world’s most isolated communities. At the centre of the story is Kaali, a young boy on the autism spectrum. When his beloved dog — his only true companion — goes missing and is presumed stolen, Kaali begins a quiet but determined search through the snowy paths and colourful wooden houses of Tasiilaq. What initially seems like a simple child-and-dog narrative unfolds into a deeper emotional journey: Kaali must navigate not only the disappearance itself, but also his complex relationship with the other children in the village, his fear of being misunderstood, and the possibility that retrieving the dog could come at the cost of the only friendship he has ever known. In its concluding moments, The Thief raises the central question: who is truly the thief, and what does it mean to “steal” something in a close-knit community like this? The production of the film is as significant as the story it tells. Stenbakken, originally from Tasiilaq and now based in Copenhagen, built the project as a collaboration with the youth of his hometown. Rather than depicting the Greenlandic East in the familiar imagery of vast icebergs and Arctic wilderness, the film focuses on the everyday reality of its people — their homes, their conversations, their relationships, and their challenges. The result is an authentic, human-centred portrait of a region seldom portrayed in contemporary cinema, and even more rarely from within. Visually and emotionally, The Thief is understated yet striking. Its snowy landscapes and muted colour palette reflect the isolation and fragility of the characters, while the intimacy of the cinematography brings viewers directly into Kaali’s world. The film avoids sentimentality, instead embracing nuance: the story acknowledges the difficulties faced by autistic children in small communities, but also celebrates resilience, loyalty, and the deep emotional ties that define childhood. Internationally, the short has been met with strong acclaim. Selected by major festivals — including the Berlinale’s Generation Kplus section — The Thief has been noted as a contender in the short-film awards circuit and has even entered the conversation about Oscar-qualifying works. Its reception underscores its cultural and artistic importance, not only as a moving character study but also as a milestone for Greenlandic filmmaking. Ultimately, The Thief is a story about connection: to people, to animals, to a place, and to one’s own identity. It offers a rare window into East Greenland through the eyes of a child who feels both part of and apart from his surroundings. For viewers interested in Nordic cinema, Indigenous storytelling, or simply beautifully crafted short films, The Thief is a work that deserves attention — a small film from a remote corner of the world that leaves a lasting emotional impact.
Watch the trailer
