In a world where screen time dominates, a bold experiment is offering a unique solution to the anxieties of the digital age. 'A fire, a dog, and the starry sky' - these are the simple yet powerful tools that a group of teenagers are using to overcome their phone addiction and find a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.
Meet Hege, a 19-year-old from Norway, who, like many of her generation, struggles with the constant pressure of social media and the real-life interactions that come with it. "I think a lot about what people think about me," she confesses. But Hege is about to embark on a journey that will challenge her perceptions and offer a refreshing escape from the digital realm.
Hege and her classmates are sent to a remote corner of Europe, 200 miles above the Arctic Circle, to attend a 'folk high school' in Pasvik. Here, they trade classrooms for the great outdoors, learning ancient skills like pitching tents, surviving sub-zero temperatures, and navigating the icy landscape with dog sleds.
At first, Hege's mind is still caught up in her usual thoughts, but as she adjusts to this new way of life, something remarkable happens. She goes hours without even thinking about her phone, and discovers a sense of peace and freedom that she never knew existed. The thrill of dashing through the snow on a dog sled becomes her new obsession, and for the first time, her mind finds stillness amidst the physical rush.
The directors of the documentary 'Folktales', Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, were drawn to this unique educational concept, which stands in stark contrast to the American education system's focus on data and outcomes. "At folk high schools, it's not about tests and grades," explains Ewing. "It's about building character, becoming a more well-rounded adult, and challenging yourself internally and socially."
This philosophy, rooted in the ideas of the 19th-century Danish pastor and poet NFS Grundtvig, has spread across Europe, fostering a belief in education for all, not just the elite. It has influenced adult education centers in German-speaking Europe and even the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme in the UK.
But what makes these folk high schools truly special is the learning experiences they offer, which go beyond what traditional schools can provide. We see this with Romain, an 18-year-old Dutch dropout, who is taught to survive in the wilderness. As night falls and the temperature drops, Romain faces a crucial moment. He asks the teachers if he can use their fire to boil water, but they refuse, pushing him to find his own solution. It's a challenging moment, but one that ultimately empowers Romain to light his own fire and connect more deeply with his classmates.
Iselin Breivold, Pasvik's dog-sled instructor, explains that many of her students, like Romain, discover a new sense of self-confidence and resilience through these experiences. "They learn that they are capable of more than they thought," she says. "These challenges, harsh as they may be, are what help them develop as individuals and see the world and others in a new light."
However, the film also highlights the challenges these schools face, particularly in attracting students from diverse backgrounds. And while 'Folktales' may not ignite the same controversy as the directors' previous work, 'Jesus Camp', it does raise important questions about the role of these institutions in modern society.
In Norway, where folk high schools have recently fallen out of favor with political decision-makers, the government is considering changes that could impact their future. Researchers at Norce are concerned that these changes may undermine the social inclusion that these schools promote, especially in a world where young people are losing trust in society and struggling to find their place.
As for Hege, her journey is a testament to the power of these experiences. While her return to her hometown brings new challenges, she ultimately chooses to return to the high north, training as a dog handler and finding a sense of purpose and self-reliance. The line between character-building and escapism is indeed a fine one, but for these young people, the benefits seem to outweigh the risks.
So, do these folk high schools truly prepare young people for the modern world? "It's a tricky question," admits Ewing. "While they may not be better equipped to navigate the digital realm, they are certainly better prepared to be compassionate and resilient human beings, able to withstand the pressures of the future."
'Folktales' is a thought-provoking documentary that invites us to reconsider the value of ancient wisdom in a modern world. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions can have the most profound impact.
