Overview
Slettnes on the island of Sørøya in Finnmark is one of many hundreds of small settlements along the coast that were abandoned in the 1960s and 1970s. Around 1990, the then Statoil (now Equinor) had plans to level the entire place and build a gigantic facility for the onshore landing, processing, and shipping of gas from the Snøhvit field. As part of the preparations, archaeological excavations were carried out, and the archaeologists discovered remains of some of Norway’s oldest settlements — dating back approximately 10,000 years. The film follows the archaeologists and the people who own houses at Slettnes at a time when it was still uncertain whether the demolition plans would be carried out. We also follow processes and pipelines through time-lapse footage and reflect imaginatively on our relationship to time. (Later, the Slettnes project was put on hold, and the gas facility was instead built on Melkøya outside Hammerfest.)
Frequently Asked Questions & Story Details
Who directed Ten thousand years under the ground?
Ten thousand years under the ground was directed by Morten Skallerud.
Where was Ten thousand years under the ground produced?
It was produced by companies including Camera Magica in Norway.
Ten thousand years under the ground Ending Explained & Trivia
The ending of Ten thousand years under the ground wraps up key thematic points regarding its characters. The film showcases excellent use of sound design, writing, and visual effects to create an immersive cinematic environment. For full analysis of ending theories, you can check out our corresponding articles in the Lumaflicks Blog section.
Ready to watch?
Stream Ten thousand years under the ground right now — no waiting.