107 minutes
Directed by: Tony Stone
New England Premiere
Co-presented by Central Bank, presenting sponsor of the narrative feature films

Greenlandic w/ English subtitles

Long before Christopher Columbus claimed discovery of North America, the Vinland Sagas recorded the land's abundant natural resources and Norse attempts to establish settlements there. This people's failed efforts to do so were attributed to violent trade conflicts with SkrÊlings, the native people already inhabiting the area. Outside of this scant account, little further information about the conditions of these expeditions exists.
 
Directed by Tony Stone, the award-winning SEVERED WAYS: THE NORSE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA uses the Sagas' historic description as its basis. Set in 1007 a.d., the story begins with a Viking expedition party that is attacked by North American natives and hastily sails for safety. Two men (one portrayed by director Stone) who had been scouting further inland are presumed dead and left behind. Stranded on an expansive, unfamiliar shore, they formulate a plan to travel north in hopes of reuniting with their people. Memories of their distant homeland compel these fierce, resourceful warriors to survive on a dense, merciless terrain, enduring sometimes hostile, sometimes bewildering encounters with Native Americans and Christian missionaries.
 
Reminiscent of early works by Werner Herzog, SEVERED WAYS was filmed both in rural Vermont and on the site of genuine Viking settlements excavated in Newfoundland. The pagan undertones of the film are highlighted by a striking soundtrack featuring music by Brian Eno, Judas Priest, and Norwegian black metal band Dimmu Borgir.

-Callista Burns