The original title was "Ofelaš", which is a Sami word for wizard. The film is in the Sámi language, and a Tchude language created by Esben Kr. Amot. The director however chose not to subtitle the Tchude language. The film is considered the first Sami feature-length film. The film went over budget by 2.5 million, costing eventually 17 million krone, and became what was then Norway's most expensive film. The film is a co-production of Filmkameratene A/S, the Norway Film Development Co. A/S and Norsk Film A/S. It was produced by John M. Jacobsen. It was distributed worldwide by International Film Exchange/Carolco Film International. The film was first released on 3 November 1987 in Norway, and released in the United States on 7 April 1989.